Gerakan today called on the government to be open and candid on the 1Care proposal which requires a 10% tax on all Malaysians to cover their healthcare costs. He said, Malaysians needed to know precise details on the scheme before they could make an informed decision if such a scheme is in their best interests.

“What we need is an open discussion and a national debate where everyone can give their views. This is too important an issue to benefit only certain special interests at the expense of the people,” said Chang who is also the Chairman of the Gerakan Central Bureau on the Law and Human Rights.

Chang added, “I am not sure if this is a good scheme as I do not have enough information, however preliminary reports suggest it is akin to socialised medicine modeled on the United Kingdom’s National Health Service. I am not sure if this is best for Malaysia? I believe Malaysians want choices and any proposal that robs them of their right to choose will be very unpopular.”
However, Chang added that if the scheme was indeed a good one that ensured every Malaysian has access to the best possible healthcare then it will be acceptable hence the Health Ministry must hold public discussions and forums on this matter to elicit maximum feedback before deciding to pursue this proposal.

“Also, I find the need for greater taxation rather unsettling as it will affect the disposable income of most Malaysians who are already struggling to make ends meet. Also, I am not sure if all Malaysians spend 10% of their monthly income on medical bills? All these matters need to be thoroughly studied. I do not think it is wise for the Health Ministry to rush through such a game-changing proposal,” stressed Chang.

Chang also said Gerakan’s Central Health Bureau Chairman, Dato’ Dr Ng Keong Chye who is also Ketari State Assemblyman in Pahang will be seeking a meeting with the Health Minister, Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai on the 1Care proposal.