Cover image via CNN
What would you do if the Malaysian government were to offer a monthly income that doesn't require you to work for it?
That could be the future of Switzerland as they mull over the idea of providing unconditional 2,500 Swiss francs (RM10,483) basic income for each of its citizens.
Image via The Independent UK
This newfangled idea comes from a grassroots committee which strives for pay equality, assurance that people have a monthly income despite their employment status and better quality of life
Image via BBC
Why don't they want it?
While most people would easily think that the proposal would win with a popular vote, the Swiss think otherwise.
Nearly 77% of Swiss voters rejected the notion, leaving only 23% supporting the guaranteed basic income for all.
"If you would offer every individual a Swiss amount of money, you would have billions of people who would try to move into Switzerland," opined Luzi Stamm of the right-wing Swiss People's Party.
The member of parliament for the right wing party also explained that offering basic income for its people would be a "total impossibility" as the country has open borders policy and has a living standard, reported BBC on 5 June.
Image via Fortune
Interestingly enough, a survey conducted prior to the voting reveals that most Swiss citizens would still continue working if the guaranteed income plan was approved
According to the Independent UK, only 2% of Swiss residents would stop working if the government offers monthly income, while the remaining 8% said that they "could envisage this possibility depending on circumstances", as reported by the Local.
Had it been approved in Switzerland, each adult would receive a monthly income of 2,500 Swiss francs while children would get 625 francs each.
In Malaysia, that would translate into approximately RM10,483 for adults and RM2,621 for kids, every single month!
Image via Channel News Asia
Meanwhile, in Malaysia, citizens with a household income of under RM4,000 receive a yearly allowance of RM800 under the BRM1 scheme introduced by the government
Image via Malaysia Tercinta
