Lower cost of hiring maids on Home Ministry’s wishlist

PUTRAJAYA: Lower cost of hiring maids and more funds to boost policing are among the Home Ministry’s wishlist for Budget 2018, its minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

The Deputy Prime Minister said he would suggest these proposals to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who will be tabling the budget in Parliament tomorrow.

“Hopefully new procedures and regulations from the Home Ministry on hiring maids, will reduce the burden of working parents, including government servants,” he told a press conference after the minis- try’s monthly assembly.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said he also hopes Budget 2018 would allocate funds towards modern policing, so that the police force could boost its assets and equipment to fight modern day crimes.

“We are facing new challenges today with the rise in online gambling and cyber crimes, and need to improve our assets and equipment to keep up,” he said.

“We also hope the welfare of all Home Ministry personnel is given attention, particularly the quarters of police officers. Many need to be improved and upgraded.

“We also hope issues related to the lack of operational funds will be addressed,” he said.

On another matter, Dr Ahmad Zahid reminded all Barisan Nasional component parties to respect the decisions of Najib as chairman of the coalition, particularly on seat arrangements in the 14th general election.

Responding to a demand by MyPPP president Tan Sri M. Kayveas to contest the Cameron Highlands parliamentary seat, Dr Ahmad Zahid said Najib will have the final say.

“Even if certain parties have noble intentions, it is better for them not to interfere in seat allocations.

“We must respect the institution of our leadership and also fellow component parties. This is so that no other party will feel offended,” he said.

The Cameron Highlands seat traditionally belongs to MIC, and its incumbent is the party’s former president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel.

Kayveas has been lobbying to contest the seat for a while, claiming that he has a good chance of defending Cameron Highlands for Barisan.