My comments on the implementation of Central Database Hub (PADU)

Recently I have voiced out Sarawak's government reservations on the implementation and requirement for our folks to complete registration on the Central Database Hub (PADU). Our state government has its own reservations on this...it was discussed in the recent cabinet meeting. For Sarawak we have asked for it to be modified.

But I have also mentioned our state government is not saying that it is against PADU and will support it if it has good intentions. Of course we will support but if there’s ulterior motive, we will not be happy.

On a personal note, I have deemed the database’s need for detailed personal information such as bank accounts and housing loans as akin to stripping citizens naked. Personally, I believe there must be a slight change for the state. For PADU, I see something like what we have before – e-Kasih. Why do you keep on wanting to change, two to three years the system keeps changing?

The moment you fill in, you ‘bogelkan diri sendiri’ (strip yourself naked). Practically everything – your bank account, your house, everything! I don’t think that is a proper way to treat your citizens.

If PADU is meant to help the poor, let them fill it in, those receiving government aid can fill that in; but you don’t go across the board and say everybody must fill it in. I have also questioned the real purpose behind PADU’s implementation, adding that the data could be exploited for political purposes.

Personally, I feel that we shouldn’t rush through things. Look into the details, why do we need this? Is it because you want to help the poor or is it because you want to know how many people in a village? That’s the role of the Statistics Department.

Back then we have e-Kasih to search for those who are poor, why do we need Padu? It is more or less the same. Just that in Padu, if you don’t fill it in, the aid recipients may miss out. If so, we can always source it elsewhere and we don’t need to do PADU. However, those registered under the Welfare Department should register with PADU.