Reports by MAZWIN NIK ANIS, JOSEPH KAOS Jr, JUNAID IBRAHIM and RAGANANTHINI VETHASALAM

       KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s decision to allow Employees Provident Fund (EPF) withdrawals is a welcome relief for those who are facing difficulties during these trying times, say Umno delegates.

       Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the wing had been consistent in its demand to allow EPF withdrawals despite being at the receiving end of brickbats.

       He said Umno Youth had been accused of being power crazy and populist with its demands towards the government.

       “When the people’s livelihoods are at stake, Umno Youth has no choice but to speak up for the rakyat. We have been consistent in calling for EPF withdrawals as well as bank loan moratorium.

       “We demanded that the government made it easier for people to get cash assistance.

       “We asked for business incentives to be expanded. All of these are for the people’s welfare.

       “There are some quarters who are not comfortable with our demands.

       “They want Umno Youth to stay silent and not to disturb the government. But when the people are suffering, how can Umno Youth stay quiet?” he said during his policy speech at the Umno Youth’s meeting.

       He also thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob for announcing the recent one-off EPF withdrawal scheme.

       “Thankfully, we have a prime minister, who is also our party vice-president, who is brave enough to make decisions that have received strong opposition from others,” said Asyraf Wajdi.

       Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said the Prime Minister’s decision to allow withdrawals from the EPF accounts benefited many who were trying to rebuild their lives following the Covid-19 pandemic and the floods.

       “This decision shows that the Prime Minister is greatly aware of the anxiety and difficulties faced by the rakyat,” she said.

       Wanita delegate from Kedah, Zarina Abdol Majid, thanked the Prime Minister for always having the people’s interest and well-being at heart.

       “The announcement on the EPF withdrawal clearly shows he’s a caring leader who is full of empathy for the people.

       “The announcement means a lot to some people.

       “We can see how well received it is when social media platforms are flooded with messages of thanks,” she said.

       Puteri Umno Bera division chief Salmiah Ab Rahman said her delegates also expressed their gratitude to the Prime Minister for listening to the plight of the rakyat by allowing the EPF special withdrawal.

       “Even though the decision was hard to make, it was still a very important move to strike a balance between the current pressing needs and savings for the future.

       “Thank you, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri, for always listening, studying and looking into requests from different people,” she said in her debate speech.

       On Wednesday, Ismail Sabri announced that the government would allow an EPF special withdrawal for as much as RM10,000 for the rakyat who are in dire need.