“Overall, the Budget is to intensify development without increasing the burden of the people in nation-building." -Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah
KUCHING: Malaysia is on a new economy platform with the tabling of the RM264.2 billion 2014 Budget, themed “Strengthening Economic Resilience, Transformation and Implement Empowering Promise”, by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in the Parliament, yesterday.
To face global political and economic uncertainties, Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said the 2014 Budget highlighted five thrusts, namely, invigorating economic activity, strengthening fiscal management, inculcating excellence in human capital, intensifying urban and rural development, and ensuring the well-being of the people.
New Sarawak Tribune yesterday contacted several federal and state ministers and State Assemblymen for their comments on the 2014 Budget, and all of them gave the thumbs up to the budget.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Dr Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said that in the last lapse of Vision 2020 by which time the country would achieve a developed nation status.
“The eight thrusts to achieve this through development and enhancement of the development of all the Development corridors throughout the country through infrastructure development.”
“Every aspect of service sector is given emphasis in the infrastructure development and this will enhance the tourism and shipping industries,” he said.
Junaidi said the focus on the development of the agriculture industry from all aspects, from the ground to the table, would ensure food security and non-reliance on import.
“The direct focus on human capital through various instruments, from schools, colleges and universities to skills training institutions, focusing on high technology and biotechnology,” he said, adding that the impact of the Budget was to widen the industrial base to be supported by small and medium sized industries (SMIs) in agriculture, shipping, bio-technology and cottage industries, and involving school leavers and graduates.
“To widen the base for SMIs in different sectors of the economy, we need to increase the participation of more sectors in cottage industry, while not forgetting the direct assistance to fishermen, the lower income group and students.
“The emphasis on quality of life is to prepare the people for the country to achieve a developed nation status and for the purpose, the police and army are provided with financialsupport for their various facilities and equipment.
“In other words, the Budget covers all aspects of physical, economic, social and intellectual development. For the urban and rural areas the focus is on the people’s needs and comfort,” said Junaidi, adding that aid and assistance like BR1M were continued for certain groups.
Meanwhile, Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Haji Talib Zulpilip said there had been consultations with various parties on the 2014 Budget.
“In a way, we can safely say the Budget incorporates the views of civil servants, the business community, the academia, non-governmental organisations and the professional groups.
“Essentially, the Budget is good for the people and the country as many aspects of the life of average citizens are catered for, but of course, the Budget cannot cater for everyone,” he added.
He said the removal of or reduction in subsidies was a practical solution as subsidies had been abused.
He said that the Good and Services Tax (GST) was reasonable and the Budget would put some restraints on the deficit and this was quite a sensible move.
Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah described the 2014 Budget as a very comprehensive budget which aimed at boosting development.
“The Budget covers all sectors, leaving no sector behind,” he said, adding that the Prime Minister had fulfilled his promises to Sabah and Sarawak, giving great priority to both states.
“The airports in Mukah, Sibu and Miri have been identified for expansion while RM50 million will be allocated for the perimeter survey of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land,” he said.
Karim said the Budget also covered education, Bumiputera entrepreneurs, and human capital development.
“Overall, the Budget is to intensify development without increasing the burden of the people in nation-building,” he added.
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