c$)$ One of Mr$.$ D$.$I.Y$.\text{'}$s substantial shareholders, Employees Provident Fund $($EPF$)$ has voiced their intention to vote against MR DIY Group $($M$)$ Bhd$\text{'}$s proposed renewal of authority for the company to purchase its own shares in its Annual General Meeting $($AGM$)$ on June $8,2023.$ Instead, EPF has appealed for a higher dividend payout.

i$)$ Elaborate what would be the trade$-$off between share buyback and cash dividend for Mr$.$ D$.$I.Y$.$ based on its current financial position.

$(5$ marks$)$

i$)$ Justify whether EPF's reaction is relevant to Mr$.$ D$.$I.Y$.\text{'}$s long$-$term growth.

$(5$ marks$)$