Re-distribution of wealth: Equal opportunities vs equal outcome (Part I).

We in Malaysia have been talking about re-distribution of wealth for decades.
The intent is to achieve equal distribution of wealth for everyone.
If you live in the real world, you do not want this.
You would and should avoid it like the plague.

In real life, there is no equal distribution of wealth.
There will always be rich people, poor people and the majority in between.
Rich and poor depends on how hard you work and how productive you are.
(Yes, some of you will ask, what about those unfortunate enough to be born to poor families. Not their fault they are born poor. More on that later.)

The only system where you get equal distribution of wealth is in communist countries like the former USSR and communist China, before China embraced capitalism.
But even then, the people in those countries were not equally rich; they were equally poor.
I don't know about you, but I don't want to be equally poor.
It is not OK to be poor just because all my neighbours are also poor.
(Misery does not love company.)

And if somehow we can make everyone equally rich, then inflation will rise since everyone can afford everything.
Inflation will continue to rise until we become equally poor again.

What we want, what you should want and should fight for is equality of opportunities.
Everyone should have equal opportunities to become rich.
Equal opportunities to get a job, to start a business, to get a head start in life on equal footing.

This is why free public school for all is a good thing.
So, it does not matter if you are born rich or poor, everyone has equal opportunities, an equal head start from young in terms of education.
Equal opportunities to start businesses with no red tape that favours cronies of politicians.
Equal opportunities to gain employment based on merit with no discrimination or discriminatory policies that favour one group of people.
In the end, whether you succeed or not, whether you become wealthy or remain poor, depends on how hardworking you are.

Yes, rich people can send their kids to better schools and better universities.
This is why we have scholarships (again should be based on merit).
To equalise opportunities by giving scholarships to good students from poor families.
But once they graduate, they are on their own.

It is about equality of opportunities.
Not re-distribution of wealth; certainly NOT equality of outcome.
Not everyone will become rich and wealthy.
Some will stay poor or become somewhat medium rich.
But that's life.

Some will be poor and some will be rich.
Your attitude, your work ethics should be the only determining factor whether you succeed or not.

So, fight for equality of opportunities and let those who persevere wins.
Avoid anybody who propose equality of outcome or equal distribution of wealth like the plague.

Disclaimer: I am not an economist. I do not have any degree in Economics.
This observation and argument are my own based on my own readings and personal research and my own understanding of the theory of economics. Comments are welcome.