ALOR SETAR: A PAS Ulama delegate has proposed strengthening the country’s financial position through national ownership of key essentials and natural resources, instead of introducing new taxes.
Permatang Pauh MP Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan said the current system, which relies heavily on taxation, burdens the people and does not align with the Islamic principle of prioritising human development and easing the rakyat’s livelihood.
"What we need is an Islamic approach, where development goes hand in hand with reducing the people’s burden,” he said when debating a motion on the economy and cost of living at the PAS 71st Muktamar on Tuesday (Sept 16).
Muhammad Fawwaz also proposed that basic necessities such as rice and cooking oil be returned to state ownership, noting that large private companies currently monopolise the cooking oil industry.
He said placing essentials under national control could reduce the burden on the people while increasing government revenue.
In this way, the rakyat would not need to be excessively taxed.
He also called for natural resources including rare earth elements (REE) to remain under national administration, citing Petronas as a successful model.
Muhammad Fawwaz expressed support for a recent proposal in parliament by opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin for state governments, especially SG4, to work closely with the national administration.
"And perhaps REENAS could be established—a state-owned company to manage natural resources.
Since natural resources that lie in the hands or ownership of the state are under national administration, their proceeds can then be channelled back to the people," he added.
At a press conference last month, Hamzah proposed establishing a national corporation to oversee and accelerate the development of Malaysia’s rare earth mining industry.
He said the proposed corporation—wholly owned by the federal government—could work closely with state governments to tap into the country’s rich mineral resources, particularly in Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah.
Hamzah added that the move would not only attract investment in the critical minerals sector but also provide a fairer revenue-sharing model between the federal and state governments.
