Return our Citizen Dividend. "People need to quit demanding jobs and start demanding justice."

Why you have the right to a $5K dividend from Uncle Sam | Making Sen$e | PBS NewsHour: (Aug 27, 2014)

This post on citizen dividend has quite a few gems.

"Dividends from common wealth, by contrast, unite society by putting all its members in the same boat. The income everyone receives is a right, not a handout. This changes the story, the psychology and the politics."

"A national dividend system would be simple, fair and immensely popular. It would rest on the principle of shared ownership, not redistribution. Once set up, it would be market-based rather than tax-funded. And it could gain support across the political spectrum: conservatives from Sarah Palin to Bill O’Reilly have lauded Alaska’s dividends."

"Our times demand a reliable flow of supplementary income as well. The best way to provide that is to pay dividends to everyone from wealth that’s logically ours."

From progress.org (Aug 28, 2014), on the above post about citizen dividend:

"What’s needed is for regular people to feel enough self-esteem to demand a fair share of what’s already ours just like the rich feel when winning an enormous share of what’s not theirs. We’re not broke. There is a surplus. It just needs to be shared. People need to quit demanding jobs and start demanding justice."

When will more people around the world be more like Alaskans, demanding their share of their own state's resources?

When will the Alaskans be more Alaskan, demanding a better share of their own state's resources? They only get a quarter of what the state gets from the oil companies, which is a small fraction of the oil wealth. I think Alaskans get less than 10% of their oil wealth in citizen dividends.

BR1M3. Malaysia announces another year of cash distribution

Malaysia announces a third consecutive year of cash distribution.

KUALA LUMPUR: The RM4.6 billion allocation for the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) next year will be disbursed by February.

Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah said the amount allocated for BR1M 2014 had increased because of the rising number of recipients. The payout will involve seven million people, an increase from last year's 6.8 million.

Read more: 7 million to receive BR1M next year - General - New Straits Times. 20 Dec 2013.

The details: (Read more: http://www.br1m3.com/)

Households (RM650)
1. Household that has income below RM3,000

Households (RM450)
1. Household that has income between RM3,000 to RM4,000

Individuals (RM300)
1. Total gross monthly income of RM2,000 and below

The amount is not small. But compared to Malaysia's potential citizen dividend of RM 2,200 for each citizen, this amount is relatively very small.

How big will be a Malaysian citizen dividend?

This is a very quick estimate of the Malaysian citizen dividend if it becomes a citizen-ownership democracy.

This estimate is based on just one source: Petronas, "short for Petroliam Nasional Berhad, is a Malaysian oil and gas company that was founded on August 17, 1974. Wholly owned by the Government of Malaysia, the corporation is vested with the entire oil and gas resources in Malaysia and is entrusted with the responsibility of developing and adding value to these resources."

Malaysia has a population of about 29 million.

"Including taxes, export duties and the dividend, Petronas estimates its total payments to the Malaysian government added up to 65.7 billion Malaysian ringgit ($21.10 billion) in that fiscal year." From Special Report: Petronas chafes at its role as Malaysia's piggy bank, Jun 2012.

From Petronas alone, the citizen wealth is at least RM 2,200 per citizen in 2011. The actual wealth from Petronas is more. For example, it is reported that dividends paid to the government is only 55% of net profit. 

A household of 4 persons would have a citizen income of RM 8,800. This is a lot of money. In comparison, the mean household income is about RM 4.025 a month in 2009.

The citizen dividend for Malaysia can be very substantial even considering just one source of wealth from Petronas. 

In comparison with this, BR1M (1Malaysia People’s Aid) does not look that generous anymore.

Malaysia planning another year of cash distribution. BR1M.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia is fulfilling his election promise on BR1M. The Malaysian government is planning for another year of cash distribution to its citizens. While it is not a universal or unconditional distribution, it reaches a majority of Malaysians.

Next BR1M to be announced at tabling of Budget 2014

PUTRAJAYA: The next round of Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia is expected to be announced when Budget 2014 is tabled in October.

Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan said BR1M had been a promise in Barisan Nasional’s pledges during the 13th general election.

“There will surely be another BR1M payout,” Ahmad said.

“The Prime Minister will make the announcement,” he added after a visit to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) headquarters in Cyberjaya near here yesterday.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had announced ahead of last month’s general election that the Government was looking into increasing the BR1M payout in stages to RM1,200. Currently it stands at RM500.

The payment would be handed out to citizens with a total household income of RM3,000 or less.

Eligible single Malaysians would receive RM600 from the current RM200.

Did the cash dividend help the ruling party of Malaysia to maintain its power?

Amid the fierce contest between the ruling Barisan National and the opposition Pakatan Rakyat, did the cash dividend (BR1M)  given to millions of households and individuals help Barisan National to retain power in GE13?

It is tempting to think that BR1M has helped. Although the degree of help is uncertain.

There was quite a lot of news of voters grateful for the cash dividend. For example, see BR1M is timely aid for needy and
Retirees grateful to govt for BR1M 2.0

"I am grateful to the Barisan Nasional (BN) government for their tireless efforts to lighten the people's burden," said retiree Cheong Koon Huat, 63.

The Bukit Beruang resident said Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) 2.0 was the best means of aiding households which made less than RM3,000 a month.

"The RM500 aid being given out shows that the government is aware that there are still many who need help and is trying its best to do so," he said yesterday.

Factory worker Abdul Rahim Abu, 44, from Bukit Katil, said BR1M proved that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was dedicated in his calls for transformation.

A similar effect can be seen in the elections of of Hugo Chavez in Venezuela.

"Hugo Chavez, the man who built his powerful persona on a populist platform of sharing Venezuela's vast oil wealth with the poor and disenfranchised, leaves his nation with a greater distribution of cash to the poor." (From here)

It is highly likely that cash distribution can enhance voter support. Politicians in many countries are already using this weapon.

Voters and politicians should take note of this.

Let us all evolve to citizen-ownership democracies.

I have one more advice for voters: Do not settle for a few hundred dollars when you rightfully deserve thousands of dollars.

Malaysia Election Promises

http://manifestopru13.com/bahasainggeris.php

The current ruling party (BN) promises annual cash handouts of RM1200 to households and RM600 to individuals. Millions of households/individuals will qualify for these.

(RM1200 = US$400 = S$488)

BR1M. So good that no politicians dare refuse

Rafizi: Pakatan will retain Najib’s BR1M

BR1M, an annual cash handout to millions of Malaysian households and individuals, is so good that no politicians dare to refuse.

Citizen income. All it takes is for a strong political party to champion it. Other political parties will follow.

A well kept secret: Alaska Permanent Fund

If you Google for Alaska Permanent Fund, you get 174,000 results.

If you Google for BR1M, you get 1,470,000 results.

Considering Google search interest, BR1M is at 100 while Alaska Permanent Fund is at 1.

BR1M is a new cash handout scheme by Malaysia. It is in its second year. BR1M 2.0. While the Prime Minister of Malaysia promises to make it an annual event, BR1M 3.0, BR1M 4.0 and so on, there is no guarantee.

The Alaska Permanent Fund is guaranteed by the Alaska Constitution. It has been paying annual dividends for 3 decades.

BR1M pays about five million households RM500 each (about US$160). APF pays nearly a million individuals about US$1000 to US$2000 each.

Yet, few people around the world know about such an important democratic institution.

Malaysia BR1M and Singapore Wage Credit Scheme

Terengganu residents welcome PM's guarantee to continue BR1M - Latest - New Straits Times:

"KUALA TERENGGANU - Terengganu residents have described the guarantee of the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to continue providing the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) 3.0 and BR1M 4.0 as a promise of a responsible and caring government.

The Prime Minister has provided direct assistance to the people through the 1Malaysia schemes such as BR1M, 1Malaysia People's Shop (KR1M), 1Malaysia People's Menu (MR1M) and 1Malaysia Clinic which have all been well-received as they reached the target groups."

Three cheers for yearly BR1M. The Star.

"PETALING JAYA: The Prime Minister's announcement that the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) will be given annually has been greeted with “three cheers” all around.

Single mother Ranee, 51, who earns RM1,000 a month as a cleaner, said she was happy to receive the RM500 cash aid.

“I am saving it for my 13-year-old son's educational needs,'' she added."

Malaysia BR1M is direct cash payment to the population.

In contrast to a direct payment, Singapore has a  wage credit scheme that sends money through employers to employees. Employees are eagerly waiting to see the actual effect. If you are an employer, will you pass the money to your employee, or will you keep it for yourself?

Winning votes: citizen dividend is not corruption

Main - Malaysia - BR1M will likely boost BN’s chances in the next election @ Tue Jan 01 2013:

'As the federal government prepares to hand out cash aid to millions of Malaysian households in the next few weeks, the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition is set to be a major beneficiary in terms of votes in this year’s general election, political analysts and even opposition lawmakers have conceded.

They expect the 1 Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) handout to be a swing factor, particularly in rural areas.

“BR1M will provide a huge multiplier effect, not only economically, but to draw votes towards the ruling government,” said Asri Salleh from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Terengganu.'

It is a very important question. Will a citizen dividend win votes?

It seems that the major political parties in Malaysia think so. The incumbent political party BN is giving cash to most of the population, and the opposition parties are crying foul.

"The 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) cash handouts and BN promises to increase the handout amounts should it win the next general election, was not a form of vote buying, said an Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) official."

See here Poverty is the parent of revolution for a discussion of the USA voting pattern.

Malaysia Prime Minister promises annual BR1M cash handouts

Main - Malaysia - Najib shows off BN’s achievements, promises annual BR1M @ Tue Mar 19 2013:

"Datuk Seri +Najib Razak trumpeted his government’s achievements for the past three years, and promised an annual Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) cash handouts scheme."

The disadvantage is that the promise is by one Prime Minister. The promise could be easily ignored by subsequent Prime Ministers, or even by the same Prime Minister. The best protection should use the Alaska Permanent Fund as the role model - clear Constitutional laws.

"The prime minister then proceeded to end his speech by announcing that the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) initiative will continue to be an annual handout.

Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah had announced earlier today that some 5.369 million of the 6.114 million people eligible for the BR1M 2.0 have cashed their vouchers as of yesterday.

BR1M has reportedly helped nearly five million families at a cost of RM2.6 billion last year, increasing Najib’s approval ratings up to 69 per cent, largely due to a surge among lower-income households.

BR1M is a one-time handout of RM500 for Malaysian households earning RM3000 and below, and the second payout will be made this year under Budget 2013 with an allocation of RM3 billion and is expected to benefit 4.3 million households."

The government may be increasing BR1M to RM1000.

Malaysia BR1M and Alaska Dividend

BR1M is a Malaysia programme where the government distributes cash to a large majority of its people. While it is not totally unconditional, it reaches 80% of the households in Malaysia.

(From http://www.barisannasional.org.my)

"Malaysians with a household income of less than RM3,000 a month are eligible for the one-off RM500 cash aid, while single unmarried individuals aged 21 and above and earning not more than RM2,000 a month are eligible for a one-off RM250 aid. BR1M 2.0 is expected to benefit 4.3 million households and 2.7 million single unmarried individuals, compared to 4.2 million people for the first BR1M last year." (From the Malaysia Insider)

Muhyiddin, the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, said BN might make the handouts a permanent affair. "If BN win in the coming election, the government would continue providing support to the nation through BR1M 2.0, BR1M 3.0, BR1M 4.0, BR1M 5.0 and so on." (From the Kuala Lumpur Post)

The BR1M cash distribution has so far depended on one political party (BN). Some people think it is to attract votes. To avoid that impression and to really make it a permanent policy, Malaysia should consider the Alaska model where dividend distribution is written into the Alaska Constitution. In this way, regardless of the party in power, citizens will continue to get their rightful dividends.

Is Najib Razak turning Malaysia into a citizen-ownership democracy?

Malaysia is giving money to individuals and households, with very little conditions. It is not near the unconditional citizen-ownership income or the unconditional basic income, but it is on the way there.

In 2011, Malaysia's 2012 budget gives the following, called 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M):

Low-income household
One-off RM500 cash assistance for households earning 3,000 per month and below
One-off RM100 schooling assistance for primary and secondary school students from age 6 to 16, up to Form 5
One-off RM200 book vouchers for students of private and public tertiary institution, and Form 6.

In 2012, Malaysia 2013 budget gives even more, called BR1M 2.0. In version 2.0, unmarried individuals are also given cash.

According to thestar.com.my

"Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, in tabling Budget 2013 last Friday, announced BR1M 2.0, a second one-off payment of RM500 for households earning less than RM3,000 per month. He also announced that BR1M 2.0 was extended to cover single unmarried individuals aged 21 and above earning not more than RM2,000 per month, with a single one-off payment of RM250."

If Malaysia keeps BR1M every year, and extend it to more and more people, it could evolve into a partial citizen-ownership democracy.

Lee Hsien Loong and Citizen-ownership Democracy.

Before the general election in May 2011, Lee Hsien Loong told voters, "Singapore belongs to you." This is reported by Channelnewsasia. (Here is another link from asiaone.)

Abraham Lincoln also said that the United States belong to their people, in his Inaugural address in 1862:

     "This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it."

It took the Americans more than 100 years since Lincoln's speech before one state, Alaska, implements true ownership. Residents in Alaska have been getting annual income from being owners of Alaska.

Do Singaporeans have to wait 100 years before they can get annual incomes from being owners of Singapore?

There is hope. There is a world-wide movement for citizen right to a basic income just for being citizens in their countries. Brazil is doing it. Switzerland is doing it. Canada is doing it. Germany Merkel is talking it.  Macau is doing it. Mongolia is doing it. Alaska has already done it.

Even Singapore's neighbor Malaysia is doing it.