BN leaders say it’s realistic, comprehensive
KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders have described the 2018 Budget as a realistic and comprehensive plan that caters to all segments of society.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Najib not only addressed the B40 and M40 groups, but also addressed the needs of civil servants, pregnant women and private investment, among others.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim expressed delight with the move to ensure that women were placed in the board of directors of government-linked (GLC) and government-linked investment (GLIC) companies.
“The prime minister’s patience has reached a limit, and he is giving GLCs and GLICs up to Jan 1 to appoint women to their board of directors. They can’t give anymore excuses. They have to do it or be prepared to be named and shamed.
Minister in Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said described it as “the best budget so far”.
Health Minister and MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam described it as a “phenomenal” Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam
budget for the Indian community. He said the increased seven per cent quota for Indians in public universities and the civil service were steps the community had long sought.
“We have been talking about these every year at the MIC annual general meeting. It finally happened,” he said.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan said the 2018 Budget reflected a better position for the government administration. He also expressed confidence that the budget would bring a huge victory for BN in the 14th General Election.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the budget allocation for transport was in line with the needs of the people.
“It not only levels out the economy of each state, but also brings new development, such as upgrading of the Penang International Airport and Langkawi, as well as a bridge connecting Labuan to Sabah,” he said.
Liow said the RM3 billion provided to the Transport Development Fund would help national transformation plans.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the budget’s basic thrust was to ensure national growth that was sustainable.
Sabah Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman said the budget had taken into account the needs of Sabah people.
He said the state government welcomed the RM1 billion allocation to repair dilapidated schools in the state, expand Sandakan airport, build rural infrastructure, carry out people’s housing programmes and equip the Eastern Sabah Safety Command.
Umno Youth deputy chief Senator Khairul Azwan Harun said the budget showed how inclusive BN was in policymaking.
He said Najib had delivered his promises of a well-rounded national agenda that catered to the needs of the middle-class.