PERAK ALLOCATES RM1.2B FOR BUDGET
RM421m set aside for development, RM756m for management costs
ATOTAL of RM1.176 billion has been allocated for the 2018 Perak Budget, of which RM421.28 million is for development expenditure and RM755.59 million for management costs.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir during the tabling of the budget at the state legislative assembly themed “Rakyat Aman dan Jaya” (Peace and Prosperity for the People), said next year’s revenue was forecasted at RM1.082 billion.
He said last year the state had recorded a 8.1 per cent growth in gross domestic product per capita.
He said the 2018 Perak Budget was focused on five components, namely, driving the economy and development (RM196.16 million); improving and safeguarding the wellbeing of the people; improving livelihood (RM103.26 million), producing community and generation of knowledge (RM92.26 million); and conserving state’s sustainable resources and heritage (RM29.6 million).
“Some people would label this an election budget. (As a matter of fact), since tabling the state budget in 2010, we have introduced various initiatives, whether or not it was an election period. We are responsible in putting the people’s interest as our priority.
“This time, I have elaborated and given examples of kisah kita (our stories). They are the success stories of Perakians of whom we have assisted through programmes, such as micro-credit financing for small-scale businesses and aid for the less fortunate.
“Some opposition leaders compared Perak with other states, and asked what the state government had done for the people. Some states increased their revenues through, among others an increase in taxes, whereas Perak has not seen such an increment (for years).
“Statements such as Perak ada apa? (What does Perak have?) are unfair and irresponsible. The opposition will continue to question us, but we will not be distracted from doing our job,” he said.
One of the highlights of the 2018 Perak Budget is the development of the Southern Perak Development Region plan, which covers the development of Bagan Datuk Water City and Perak Industrial Heavy Park.
Zambry announced a RM2,000 special aid for government staff working here, that would also be extended to religious teachers (under the Perak Religious Department), Islamic pre-school teachers, and part-time officers.
Meanwhile, Zambry said politicians must always practise caution so as to not hurt the sensitivity of other races.
“This is a reminder to all the people’s representatives. Whatever we say could affect others and are always observed by voters. What kind of example are we showing to the people when we, as leaders, say inappropriate things (in public)? I’m always learning from others and avoid saying things that could hurt the sensitivity of other races,” he said.
Perak DAP chief and Taiping member of parliament Nga Kor Ming was under fire recently for allegedly using vulgar words during a political speech here, which he later denied.