Umno trying to help people, Zahid says on call for more EPF withdrawals
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THE Umno president today hit out at people who accuse the party of trying to score political points by insisting the government allow more withdrawals from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said detractors claim that the party is taking advantage of the people’s suffering for political mileage.
“A senior minister called the request (by Umno) an instigation, while opposition leaders accused the party of trying to destroy EPF,” he said in a Facebook post.
“Please understand that the request is not a political game, but based on the requests and needs of the people. Read the comments on social media on this issue.”
He also asked whether speaking on behalf of the people can be likened to politics.
Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has explained the rationale behind the call for more withdrawals several times, he added.
Zahid denied that Umno is trying to take advantage of the situation, saying that the minister sanctioning the approval will be the one getting credit.
He said the minister, who he did not name, will also have political motives if the political game debate arises.
Though Umno has relayed the people’s wishes, the decision is in the hands of the government, he added.
“The situation will be easier if Umno is the core of the government. Therefore, all this should be a lesson for the future.”
Zahid and former prime minister Najib Razak are among Umno leaders who are pushing for another round of EPF withdrawal.
Putrajaya has approved three EPF withdrawal schemes – i-Sinar, i-Lestari and i-Citra – since the first movement control order was announced in 2020. – January 13, 2022.