The Bagan Datuk MP told the Dewan Rakyat that the government must act “aggressively” to uplift the middle income group that have slipped into poverty, and introduce special schemes to help the poor. Even the top 20 income group, he said, had shrunk.

He said assistance should be given to all races affected by Covid-19, and called for a return of a dynamic economy.

He urged the government to look at ways to reduce the burden of debt held by National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) borrowers, and suggested for the study loans to be absorbed into housing debts.

“Have a special scheme for borrowers where they can stretch their study loans, where they can be absorbed into their housing loans,” he said.

To reduce the government’s debt burden on PTPTN, he proposed for an entity to take over the corporation and to give new hope to borrowers and the government.

On toll rates, he urged Putrajaya to reduce toll charges by 30% and called on the government to look at merging and restructuring various highway concessionaires.

He further suggested targeted upskilling and reskilling, and to ease restrictions and assist entrepreneurs and micro businesses with non-performing loans.

Zahid also said the government should hire professionals to head Tekun Nasional, an agency under the entrepreneur and cooperative development ministry.

“Do not appoint politicians or cronies. It should be a vehicle to help entrepreneurs and uplift them,” he said.

He also wants government agencies and entities at federal and state levels to merge and build more affordable homes with the aim of ensuring “every family has a home.”

“We should look at such game changers in the next five years,” he added.