One home, one computer mission, a total failure?

The move by the gov't to make Malaysia an IT literate nation was ambitious. That was way back years ago. Every Malaysians welcomed the move, furthermore they were allowed to withdraw a portion from their EPF savings for the purchase of computers. However, the facility was revoked due to abuse by a group of contributors.

Who were to be blamed for the short lived facility? Let's not point finger at anyone. Let's look at the issue in a positive perspective.

First and foremost, concerning the honesty of the contributors. The contributors themselves were not honest when withdrawing their EPF for this purpose. The proceeds of the withdrawals were not use for the purchases of computers, instead for others. There has always been temptations to indulge the proceeds of the withdrawals for other purposes, which has deviated from the original intentions.

Secondly, concerning the greed of computer dealers. The dealers shouldn't be allowed to compromise with contributors to deviate the transactions. There has been reports that dealers co-operate with the contributors in cheating EPF. When their applications for withdrawals were approved, they didn't purchase the computers, they took cash from the dealers instead. The dealers then deducted a certain percentage from the approved amount. Easy money for the dealers! However, until lately, it seems to be quiet and no actions against the dealers for breach of gov't policy.

Thirdly, concerning the EPF's policy itself. After approving contributors applications for withdrawals, the EPF didn't do follow-up closely to ensure the genuineness or authenticity of the transactions. The EPF should have formulated ways to ensure that the said withdrawals were for the genuine computer purchases and not otherwise. The EPF should have taken actions to prosecute members who misused the facility and make them pay back the amount they withdrew. This will become a deterrent factor for future malpractice. One may conclude that, the system for the withdrawals of EPF contributions then, particularly in the case of withdrawals for computer purchases was not reviewed properly before implementation, thus contributed to the failure.

At present, not many homes or families in Malaysia owns computers, not even 50% of the total households in Malaysia. If this situations persists, the vision of our ex PM will not be realised, furthermore if there is no commitment on the part of the present gov't to make it a reality. How many families can afford to purchase computer by cash in view of the present high living cost? How many families with average monthly income can afford to save money for the purchase of computers? Not many. Hence, the gov't's move to allow the withdrawals of EPF savings was seen as a positive first step towards the realisation of the vision of transforming Malaysia into an IT literate nation. But not anymore, it is just like morning mists floating into thin air engulfed by the morning sun.