As Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has peddled the “keluarga Malaysia” (Malaysian family) concept with such enthusiasm, shouldn’t he set up a ‘keluarga Malaysia salvation fund’ immediately to ease the plight of the growing number of distraught people reeling from the declining economy?
Where would the money for this fund come from?
If Ismail Sabri could recover all the ill-gotten wealth from corrupt politicians and from those living off the gravy train and park it in this keluarga Malaysia fund, it would go a long way to help those who are struggling.
Look at the huge stockpile of foreign currencies, timepieces, eyewear, handbags, jewellery, expensive wardrobe and shoes occasionally seized from corrupt officials.
Watch the political bigwigs fighting court battles over billions in ‘donations’ parked in their name. How did all this come about?
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Notice the many prominent politicians wearing expensive, custom-designed timepieces, rings on several fingers and never-to-be-worn-twice outfits. Wonder where they got the money to splash around.
Check out the palatial houses belonging to politicians and their next of kin. You cannot help dropping your jaws in disbelief. Could their salaries and perks really be enough to finance such opulent lifestyles?
We do not even have the full picture of their shareholdings, which have been hidden away from the public eye through nominees and proxies.
Consider the rent-seeking spoils flowing into the pockets of well-connected cronies.
Just recovering the wealth that was allegedly ‘donated’ to certain politicians would add substantially to the fund.
Slogans, sermons, admonishments and promises will not resurrect a nation that is reeling from and reeking of corruption. Even the coming general election offers little hope, as things stand.
If Ismail Sabri wants to be the people’s prime minister he must stand up and seize the initiative like Indonesian President Joko Widodo has done.
The keluarga Malaysia fund for the people could grow to billions of ringgit instantly if the Ismail Sabri government seizes all the ill-gotten wealth.
Such an aggressive move would send a strong message that corruption is dead in the country.
Ismail Sabri could become the nation’s champion by doing the right thing. He could give significant meaning to his keluarga Malaysia mantra and save this sinking nation.
But will he? That is the real question.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
Estate Duty was abolished decades ago and may have contributed to lack of information on accumulated wealth. Some cases come to public notice during dispute on inheritance by beneficiaries or there may be a court case.
This is especially true of those who may be suspected to have accumulated their wealth via illegal or immoral or tax evasion means.
SIMPLE SOLUTION MAY BE REINTRODUCTION OF ESTATE DUTY EVEN IF IT IS JUST TEN PERCENT FOR THE RICH. THE ESTATE DUTY RATE CAN BE APPLICABLE TO THOSE HAVING WEALTH/ESTATE VALUED AT MORE THAN RM TEN MILLIONS WITH OTHERS BEING REQUIRED TO DECLARE BUT NOT SUBJECT TO ANY ESTATE DUTY TAX.
Doubtful if will even be considered. Bless all
👍Good deed.