Umno did not pressure govt to allow special EPF withdrawal, says Ahmad Zahid

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has denied that he and Umno put pressure on the government to allow the special withdrawal from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).

The Umno president said it was also not true that the RM10,000 withdrawal per person would affect EPF's investment strategies.

"What is certain is that many will benefit from the withdrawals, including those who accused Umno before," he said on Facebook on Monday (April 18).

Ahmad Zahid said EPF members would benefit while micro traders could expect additional cash flow.

"I am sure the special withdrawal has more meaning to Muslims with the coming Hari Raya celebration," he said.

He added that he was thankful that the special withdrawal was approved for Monday, two days ahead of the date announced earlier.

"Thank you to all who approved the special withdrawal... (it) is evident that EPF can afford to heed the people's request.

"The withdrawal is not to celebrate the festival extravagantly but to ease the burden of those who are still reeling from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic," he said.

He urged the people to spend the money wisely and use it in the best way possible to ease their financial woes.