KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong believes that the government needs to address the public’s lack of confidence in the Central Database Hub (Padu) system. The MCA president pointed out the low registration rate as clear evidence of the people’s distrust in the system.
He emphasized, “The government, especially the Economy Minister, must take this issue seriously. Threatening people with consequences for not registering or updating their information on Padu is not the right approach to help them.”
Dr Wee Ka Siong raised concerns about the RM80 million allocation for Padu, questioning whether the existing e-kasih system could be upgraded to fulfill the same purpose. The e-kasih system serves as a national poverty databank to provide aid for the underprivileged, containing details such as incomes, education levels, assets, and health conditions.
He brought up the discussions he had with the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and Sarawak Premier on Jan 22, where he highlighted the flaws and imperfections of the Padu system. Expressing dissatisfaction with Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli’s response in Parliament on March 5, Dr Wee Ka Siong criticized the lack of transparency in verifying the accuracy of information input in Padu.
He questioned the necessity for individuals to provide information that is supposedly already available to the government, hinting at possible concerns about the system’s credibility. Dr Wee Ka Siong reiterated his initial reservations about Padu being too complex, leading to public uncertainty regarding data security and privacy.
With a total of 39 detailed questions in the Padu system, he highlighted the challenges faced by rural residents in completing the information. Moreover, uncertainty persists as the basic criteria for subsidies are not clearly defined, potentially leading to mismatches between provided data and eligibility for aid.
Dr Wee Ka Siong’s statement reflects the ongoing discussions and criticisms surrounding Padu, echoing similar sentiments shared by other MPs across different political affiliations. As the public debate continues, there is a growing need for transparency, accountability, and improvements in addressing the concerns raised by various stakeholders.
Efforts to enhance public trust in government systems like Padu should prioritize clear communication, data protection measures, and streamlined processes to ensure effective service delivery. By addressing the underlying issues and engaging with stakeholders constructively, authorities can work towards building a more reliable and inclusive system for managing essential public services.
As the dialogue unfolds, the imperative remains on the government to respond proactively to criticisms and feedback from the public and concerned stakeholders. This ongoing dialogue serves as a crucial avenue for accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement in fostering public trust and confidence in vital government initiatives like the Central Database Hub.
