Protect fabric of our diversity

YEAR 2018 has indeed started well for Malaysia. The foreign exchange rate of the ringgit against the US dollar has dipped to below RM4, which is heartening. The stock market indices, in line with global indices, have reached new highs. Oil prices have also risen, hovering a shade below US$70 a barrel. However, true progress is when the exchange rate strengthens further to the late 2013 levels of US$1 to RM3.15.

Led by strong export growth, gross domestic product (GDP), which is a barometer of the growth of the economy, has been respectable. The rating agencies have maintained their ratings and commented favourably on the efforts taken to manage the economy during the difficult times.

It is also expected that the country would be a “high income” nation by 2023.

These comments contrast with earlier opinions and views expressed by opinionated but misinformed locals that the country was on the road to destruction and doom, sitting precariously on the brink of bankruptcy especially with the decreasing level of foreign reserves.

Surely this smacks of gross mismanagement given that Malaysia is resource-rich.

While not denying that overall the economy is robust and growing well, there appears concern that this is not being translated into the improved well-being of certain segments of the population, especially the urbanites. It is being lamented that it is difficult to make ends meet.

There is focus on the role played by the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which has been unfavourably maligned, in contributing to the increased cost of living, and more so when it has been reported that the GST collection for 2017 tallied up to RM44bil.

Any tax has one primary purpose – to fund government expenditure, both operating and developmental, for the benefit of the populace. This includes the redistribution of wealth so that the lower income earners are not unduly disadvantaged.

This is where the policy planners, who have been exemplary in guiding the economy during the past years when oil prices dipped unfavourably and global economic growth was slow, should show their mettle.

Alleviating poverty is not a difficult task. Those qualified for BR1M have been identified. Widening the eligibility bracket and increasing the quantum will not only alleviate their hardships but also stimulate domestic demand with their increased spending. This has a multiplier effect on the economy. Structural changes should follow in tandem.

One must remember that oil prices are now higher. Earlier, it was touted that GST had served to address the shortfall in government revenue.

Now, with the change in circumstances, logically it follows that government revenue would also increase substantially. It should be managed well.

It would be most sinful and obscene if the increased collections from GST are utilised to further bloat the civil service and hike up their remuneration packages without a corresponding increase in productivity.

Sadly, we are not faring too well on productivity indexes. Leakages due to gross mismanagement of government expenditure and corruption should be addressed and concerted action taken to reduce and eradicate such malpractices. Government officers should hold themselves to higher levels of accountability.

While engrossing ourselves with the economy, of equal if not more importance is the state of our cohesiveness and tolerance as a nation.

Sadly, our ugliness has continued to be revealed over the years.

A young life was lost due to a chair being flung out from the upper floor of a community flat.

Episodes of road rage and abuse of public service officials have hit social media.

Fellow citizens have been questioned. “Who was here first” and “You are less qualified for residency than me” are silly and moronic issues being brought up.

Incorrect historical facts relating to which races died in defence of the nation is causing hurt.

Leaders with deep religious leanings conveniently forget our diversity and propose that only those of a specific religion be chosen as leaders to govern.

Others go all out to discredit other religions, forgetting the malaise and doctrinal differences within their own.

While taking pride in the economy, the authorities must remember to curtail such deviant behaviour in its infancy as this can tear a country apart with more devastating effects than any economic or natural disaster.

As Malaysia heads for the general election, indiscriminate statements and fake news will be the order of the day. Let it not irreparably damage the fabric of our multi diversity.