The Perikatan Nasional government, led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, has demonstrated excellent leadership, policy wisdom, and integrity in defending and securing the people's and businesses' welfare, especially during the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 until 2021. Various initiatives and schemes such as the Bantuan Prihatin Nasional (BPN), loan payment moratoriums, and Employees Provident Fund (EPF) withdrawals, namely i-Lestari and i-Sinar, have been delivered by Perikatan Nasional to ease people’s financial burden at that time.
Bantuan Prihatin Nasional (BPN) assistance to the youth
BPN, the one-off cash aid under the Prihatin Rakyat Economic Stimulus Package (Prihatin) announced by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in 2020 was distributed to ease the financial burden of young people that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“At that time, I was so thankful to be able to receive the BPN amounting RM150. Not only that I received it, but the rest of my siblings did too. So, that lessens the burden on our parents as they were laid-off from work and I’m not working at that moment. We managed to buy the essential necessities for one month with the money”, said Nisri Farhana, 20.
The 6-month moratorium aids rakyat on their survival
On the other hand, many individuals expressed their joy when Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced the six month loan relief for all individuals, microenterprises and affected SMEs during the pandemic. The Pemulih economic package has provided temporary and almost immediate financial relief to most individuals in Malaysia at that time.
Yuen Meng, 26, said that he was thankful with the government initiative at that time as the moratorium helped him to hold off payment of his car loan for 6 months. By doing so, he managed to reallocate his savings to essential expenses such as purchasing groceries and other household items during the pandemic.
"When the government announced the moratorium on loan relief initiatives, I immediately applied for payment assistance for my car loan. As I was unemployed at the time, I was able to pay my house rent, food, and other bills thanks to this assistance. I hope that there will be more beneficial and effective initiatives and schemes like these in the future, as it does help to alleviate the burden on the majority of Malaysians", said Simon Wan, 40.
“In my opinion, the moratorium initiatives on credit card, house, and car loans have given a big sigh of relief to many people, especially those who have been badly affected by the pandemic. We were allowed to make a deferment on our loan payments for a period of 6 months, given by the government,” said Syed Raiz bin Syed Nabi, 49.
EPF i-Lestari and i-Sinar bring bright hope to the people.
Syed Raiz bin Syed Nabi, 49, further expressed his gratitude to leaders, especially Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, for taking bold action by introducing the Employees Provident Fund’s (EPF) i-Sinar and i-Lestari schemes as part of his effort to put more money back into the pockets of the rakyat.
"The i-Sinar and i-Lestari schemes have really helped people survive the pandemic and their daily lives, and also covered the children’s school and food fees. I feel relieved that the savings from EPF could be taken out, and I hope that the government can continue this kind of effort as it gives a big meaning to some people out there".
“During the MCO period, the EPF cash withdrawals through i-Sinar and i-Lestari have helped me and my husband a lot, as my husband is a Foodpanda rider and I’m a housewife. Moreover, as education has transitioned to open and distance learning (ODL), we have been able to buy new devices for our children to use in attending their classes. We also managed to reallocate our savings after receiving the EPF money and pay for our house and other bills”, said Ambiga Thanagaraj, 42.
A better era, a better future for the youth
YB Dato’ Seri Azmin Ali, Gombak Parliament Candidate, has expressed his hope for this upcoming election.
“I hope that all eligible youth will go out and do their responsibility in voting as it allows them to secure their future. These young people need quality and skilled jobs in meeting with the industry demand and also fit with the new technologies. Hence, this is the offer made by Perikatan Nasional and I'm sure young people will be with us”
Perikatan Nasional has delivered best initiatives for the people during the pandemic. These initiatives such as the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme, managed to help Malaysia stand tall among the other countries and people’s welfare secured through Perikatan Nasional governance.
