Fuziah Salleh and Datuk Dr Monna Ong (right)
PETALING JAYA: Engage the public over concerns about the rising costs of school supplies, MCA tells Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh.
The party’s public policy and people’s livelihood research advisory committee chairperson, Datuk Dr Monna Ong, said that Fuziah’s recent statements over the matter undermined public confidence in the government.
“It clearly shows that the leaders do not understand the needs of various segments of society and are thus unable to develop policies and programmes that truly meet the needs of those who require assistance.
“Therefore, it is suggested that YB Fuziah engage more frequently with the public by meeting and interacting with ordinary people,” she said in a statement on Monday (Feb 17).
On Sunday (Feb 16), Fuziah said that she was shocked when finding out that parents had to spend over RM200 per child on school supplies.
She urged supermarkets to arrange Jualan Rahmah Madani programme ahead of the school session.
Ong suggested that Fuziah organise discussions, dialogues and town halls between the government and stakeholders to hear their views.
“In reality, the RM200 cost for basic school supplies is not a new issue, and the previous Barisan Nasional government had launched several assistance programmes in line with the needs of the people at that time, such as the School Assistance for every primary and secondary school student, which is now continued by the current government,” said Ong.
She also called out Fuziah for placing the burden of providing affordable school supplies solely on supermarkets and private entities.
