PUTRAJAYA – The statement made by Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan that the government does not intend to carry out targeted withdrawals from the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) fund is considered as arrogant.
Tasek Gelugor Member of Parliament Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan said the introduction of Account 3 which was a flexible account suggested that the government was not paying attention to the cries of the underprivileged.
"Based on Ahmad's statement, it is clear that the government led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim continues to fail to understand the situation faced by affected EPF contributors," he said in a statement on Tuesday.
He claimed it was absurd that Account 3, which would be introduced next year, would relieve the hardship faced by the people.
Wan Saiful said it was even more unpleasant that the contributors had pleaded to withdraw their personal resources rather than public funds.
"Targeted withdrawal has no cost to the government.
"Unfortunately, it seems that the government refuses to allow you to use your own money," he said.
He who is also the Supreme Leadership Council of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) member claimed that the introduction of flexible accounts was the government's acknowledgement that the Account Support Facility 2 (FSA2) introduced last year failed miserably and did not really help the people.
"Some of them need to solve the problems immediately.
"Some people face eviction from rental properties, cars being towed, house being auctioned, and, worst of all, being pursued by ah longs.
"It is not reasonable that the opening of Account 3 will solve the difficult situation of these contributors whereas, the targeted withdrawal will enable the contributors to solve it immediately. Isn't that better?" he said.
On Monday, Ahmad said that the government was finalising withdrawal access for EPF flexible accounts from next year.
However, the method and percentage of flexible account savings had not been decided.