Putting M’sia among top 20

> Budget 2018 will be platform for govt to become top-notch country, says Najib

ALOR STAR: Budget 2018 will be the catalyst to push Malaysia towards becoming one of the top 20 nations, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.

He said the budget, that covers the needs of 80% of Malaysians, will be the foundation in making the government’s vision to become a top-notch country a reality.

“This budget is the platform for us, the government has the ability to do it. We know how to govern the nation and this budget will lead the way for us to become one of the top 20 in the world,” he said in a meet-and-greet session with Kedah civil servants in Stadium Sultan Abdul Halim here yesterday.

Najib said it was not easy to prepare a budget that is inclusive, comprehensive and one that favours almost everyone.

He said he had to ensure the budget was based on what the authorities can deliver.

He criticised Pakatan Harapan, whose alternative budget was unrealistic.

He said as prime minister, he is responsible for preparing a budget that is realistic, with the best intentions for nationbuilding.

Earlier, Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Hanipah called on civil servants here to stay united in helping to raise the public’s confidence towards the government by executing their duty as responsible government servants.

He said the state government will announce a special monetary incentive for state civil servants, in line with Budget 2018.

“I will announce it at our state assembly sitting on Nov 12.”