Why not stop collecting taxes in non-BN constituencies too?

Ministry cancels local council projects for non-BN constituencies

Vijay47: Quite understandably, Malaysians will be stunned and outraged by this further display of unfettered power by Umno and its cronies.

But this latest order to local councils transcends mere unfairness, it is a reflection of Umno’s ‘ketuanan’ arrogance founded upon its entrenched ignorance – that being elected into power, it has been granted the unrestrained authority to do as it pleases and is answerable to no one.

Of late, we have been witnessing the growing instances of Umno’s total disregard for law and accountability.

Such attitude is also a reflection of the quality of leadership within the party; at the very top are those terrified of what the future holds in store for them, and desperate, they will resort to any design to simply survive.

Below them would be the opportunistic minions who plucked from the garbage heaps of kampong backwaters and given some authority believe that this is a godsend for them to plunder and abuse in the undoubtedly brief stint available to them.

Anonymous#007: When will Malaysians learn – BN is not capable of running and developing our country.

It is not cost- or resource-effective to manage this way (cancelling local council projects for non-BN constituencies). Not to mention, it is illegal to threaten voters to vote for them.

Why not issue a letter to stop the collection of taxes in non-BN constituencies?

Just give these local governments full power to collect taxes and develop their respective states. After all, DAP has done extremely well in Penang with very little funds allocated (relative to BN states).

Indeed, rich developed countries like Germany give almost autonomous power to state governments to collect taxes and develop each state (save for crucial assets like defence, etc).

This is a proven method to reduce corruption and spur competition between states to attract business and create jobs (which means more income tax) and ensures rapid development.

Oldtimer: This is ridiculous. It is as though only BN-held constituents pay taxes.

Even if we vote for the opposition, we still pay taxes, and therefore we should enjoy the same benefits as those who voted for BN.

The BN government must be full of people who can’t think logically and are acting like dictators.

Negarawan: Yes, this represents a gross abuse of power and is a blatant violation of democratic principles. Whether the rakyat voted for the ruling party or not, they still have to pay taxes.

The government of the day must treat everyone equally and implement needed projects for public amenities and infrastructure, regardless of the voting pattern.

This shameful decision by the KPKT (Local Government and Urban Well-being Ministry) must be challenged in court and the so-called minister taken to task.

Anonymous #44199885: I cannot fathom how BN in this enlightened age can continue to think that the money held by the government belongs to them.

It belongs to the rakyat – the taxpayers specifically – to be used only for the rakyat and not for financing wild parties, Cristal champagne, gambling in casinos, buying artwork, yachts, real estate or for making Hollywood movies.

The money is to be used for the people, irrespective of whether we vote for BN or not. This is a democracy and Malaysia belongs to Malaysians, not Umno or BN.

Read and understand the constitution. Such belligerent behaviour is the reason BN is out of touch with the rakyat.

You are only going to make the people angrier as they see you not interested in recovering our money allegedly lost by 1MDB as stated by US Department of Justice (DOJ), nor wiping corruption but more interested in politicking.

We are not your servants. We are the true owners of this land, not you. Such crass behaviour and stupidity seems the hallmark of Umno.

Anonymous 2436471476414726: This is BN’s way of playing vendetta politics. Indeed, the monies for such projects come from the taxpayers, not from BN parties.

Therefore, all parliamentary constituencies deserve the allocation based on needs, irrespective they are won by BN or the opposition.

Noh Omar, you are a minister for the whole of Malaysia, not just for BN constituencies. You should be ashamed of your act of threatening voters this way.

This is not democracy. This is autocracy practiced by power-crazy politicians.

Myop101: That is why we need to get local councils representatives directly elected by the residents, and these councils in turn have independent control of the rates collected from the residents.

Instead, we have a typical example of an unscrupulous government using our monies as ransom for our votes.

NNFC: The desperation of the government glaringly shows what type of individuals/politicians they truly are.

These characters are in power not to develop and help communities, not to serve the public, and definitely not to show to the world their magnanimity.

Comments: I don’t need to belong to a political party to make a stand on this issue. The decision is against the country’s constitution on rights over usage of public funds.

One cannot play politics with rakyat’s funds. Equality before the law is a cardinal rule. Treating citizens differently for political expediency is sinful and wrong.

Eric Tan Kim Short: I enjoy reading the irony in “Rakyat Didahulukan” in the ministry’s letter.

Clearly this ridiculous action on the part of the government does not reflect such sentiments at all.

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