GE15: BN Manifesto Calls For Abolishment Of APs On Electric Vehicles

Barisan Nasional (BN) had aired their manifesto for the upcoming 15th General Election (GE15) yesterday. The theme for BN GE15 manifesto is “Perancangan Amal dan Usaha” (PADU) listing various planned action plans should they be given the mandate to form the next federal government. 

The manifesto was announced by BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, which according to him contains 99 planned implementations to uplift the country towards the targeted developed nation status. He goes on to add that BN is serious in achieving these clear set targets and these aren't empty promises. 

On the EV front, BN had listed their EV initiative as the 4th focus point where it pledges to remove all forms of Approval Permit (AP) that is currently set for importation of EV’s into Malaysia. 

This would basically be a continuation from BN’s current EV AP exemption that was renewed during the latest BUDGET 2023 announcement in October which was announced by caretaker Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul. Based on the 2023 Budget, AP fees would be waived till end 2023 for all imported EV. 

In his speech, BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi called the EV AP abolishment as a way to make EV’s more accessible to the general public. This is also inline with the BN’s focus in making Malaysia a more sustainable and safe environment. Grouped together in the 4th focus alongside the AP abolishment was an initiative to increase the country's forest reserve to 60% thus showing BN’s seriousness towards this green initiative goals. 

Now, like we pointed out in the Budget 2023 editorial, the abolishment of the AP would not mean that you and I can easily just buy cars from China via “taobao” and get it registered here (we wish for that too). However this would mean that doors would be opened for more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for EV manufacturing to set up shops in the country and peddle their offerings to Malaysians. This will in the end play a role in increasing the EV adaptation rate and drive the cost of EV offering down so all segments could one day get on the EV bandwagon. 

Now what do you think about the BN Manifesto? Why don’t the entire AP system be abolished entirely? Do share your thoughts we would love to hear from you.