Kuala Lampur, Feb. 3 -- The proposal to introduce a Base Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful (MHIT) plan has sparked a flurry of commentary, with some that are critical.

On the surface, these criticisms appear to be pro-consumer, raising what appears to be fair concerns - at least at first glance.

But look a little closer and these arguments start to unravel.

With our future at stake, we really need to dig deeper. To look beyond the soundbites and headlines, and confront the root causes: the deeper cost structures driving rising hospital bills in Malaysia today.

Let's break it down.

1. The focus Is on premiums and comparisons, not on hospital bills themselves

One of the loudest criticisms is that the Base MHIT plan isn't as "good v...