DAP: Give money directly to the people

(NST) - The opposition was less than happy with the RM60 billion second stimulus package.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Bagan) said the government should emulate neighbouring countries by directly giving money to the rakyat.

"To stimulate the economy, the government should give the money to Malaysians, like what Singapore, Taiwan and even Thailand are doing.

"For the next two years, things are going to get bad.

"We need to help the poor families in order for them to have money for their day to day life.

"Currently, there is no direct financial aid to all Malay-sians," he said.

The DAP secretary-general also lamented that the government did not implement the opposition's suggestion for families with incomes less than RM6,000 to be given an annual aid of RM6,000.

DAP information chief Tony Pua (DAP-PJ Utara) said while there were some good long-term measures in the stimulus package, there was a distinct lack of short-term measures.

"In times like this, it is important for us to put money into the pockets of people especially those who are in need.

" However, I do not see any unemployment benefits, not even the conventional measures like food stamps or coupons for the people to buy goods, which will immediately have a positive impact on our economy," he said.

Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim (PKR-Bandar Tun Razak), while commending the package, was worried that there would be leakages in the awarding of contracts.

"I've made a statement previously that anything below RM50 billion will not be a good start, but I think they have exceeded that.

"But the question now is not in its implementation, but about the leakages and the way contracts are given out.

"That is the worry we have," he said.

Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim declined to give his views.

"I will give my reaction tomorrow (today).

"This is very important for me as I can't just say it (give his opinion) like this."