“The people remain the central focus in the distribution of allocations under the 2017 Budget,” says the deputy prime minister.
ANCHORED TO REALITY: It takes into consideration the needs of all groups
THE people remain as the central focus in the distribution of allocations as proposed in the 2017 Budget, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
He said the proposals in the budget took into consideration the needs of all groups in the country.
“Despite global economic uncertainty, Malaysia is capable of presenting an outstanding budget for its people.
“This shows the (government’s) sensitivity to all sectors as the focus of the budget is them,” he said after the budget presentation by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in Parliament yesterday.
Zahid, who is also home minister, said the budget was anchored to reality.
“On behalf of my cabinet colleagues, I wish to congratulate the prime minister for tabling a budget which has a footing in the real world.”
He said the budget showed that the government could afford to distribute funds to all sectors despite suffering a significant reduction in petroleum revenues.
He said his ministry was thankful to the prime minister for the huge allocation for the security sector.
For example, he said, Rela (volunteer corps) was allocated RM80 million in the budget to buy new uniforms for its members even though it only carried out volunteer work.
“This shows the sensitivity of the prime minister, who wants to see Rela assisting security and enforcement agencies in ensuring peace in the country.”
On the 2050 National Transformation (TN50) as announced in the budget, Zahid said it should be embraced by all quarters.
He said TN50 was needed especially for younger generations, such as Gen-Y, Gen-Z and Gen Alpha, in charting their future.
“The new generations will definitely need a share in developing the future of the country and sharing their wishes so that the nation can be moulded based on
their needs.”
On allocations for Sabah, Zahid said the budget showed that there was a commitment by the government to give balanced development
throughout the country.
He said the budget was not merely focused on infrastructure development but also in enhancing communications in Sabah.