BY: NURURL FARINA NAZLAN
The current tough economic situation is experienced worldwide. But the way a government tackles the problem in efforts to provide reasonable aid to its people, is the main factor behind the unyielding faith that citizens have for their leader.
That is proven by comparing the Selangor 2017 Budget and the Federal 2017 Budget, with clear significance in favour of Dato’ Menteri Besar, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali as adverse to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
It was most interesting that as Malaysians were presented with an increase in oil prices for the umpteenth time, just a few days after Najib announced his budget, which makes it look like mere lip service, with cuts in several important sectors such as health and education.
Najib is oblivious to the rakyat’s suffering
He seems heedless to dissatisfactions clearly expressed by the people, who continue to resist him as the country’s leader, as his budgets continue to suppress and burden rakyat year after year, ever since the Pekan Member of Parliament took the helm of the country.
This is in contrast to Mohamed Azmin, who looks into every aspect of the budget to help the poor and needy regardless of race. And there are many who expressed their gratitude and satisfaction with his budget this time around as it continues to reflect improvements for everyone.
The state’s financial position is also in surplus of RM351.38 million as of October 14. Moreover, the state’s revenue has reached 96.9% while development cost is merely at 60% and administration cost is at 77.1%.
Mohamed Azmin’s leadership continues to reflect integration, clearly seen and proven with the state’s reserve of RM3.62 billion in the same period.
This success single-handedly shows the sheer strength and capabilities of the Bukit Antarabangsa Assemblyman in propelling the country’s success and achievements; and also his ability to harmonise the strong backing of not only his team, but to also unify and harmonise this with the support of the people of Selangor in general.
Mohamed Azmin is determined in helping students
Among the sectors prioritized by Mohamed Azmin, but which seemly to be taken lightly by Najib, are higher education and women’s development. These continue to receive positive response from the people of the state.
Many in general questioned Najib’s decision to cut the allocation for higher education from RM13.38 billion this year to RM12.13 billion in 2017.
In fact, Najib’s decision led to the decrease in allocation for higher education by 9%, causing most universities to face a cut in provisions including universities in Selangor with cuts between 17% to 23%.
At a time when many lament, especially the students, Mohamed Azmin once again steps forward with initiatives to help citizens of the state by announcing an allocation of RM10 million to finance the studies of the children of Selangor in IIUM, UKM, UPM and UiTM via the Program Peduli Siswa.
Most importantly, the program offers flexible education loans based on academic achievement. The State Government considers it a state support to produce more scholars and skilled individuals capable of enhancing the state’s economy in future.
Women continue to be appreciated
For women’s development, the State Government will establish the Institute for Women’s Empowerment, a ‘think tank’ to devise new policies and initiatives, that are more progressive in promoting and uplifting women in Selangor; with an initial allocation of RM1 million.
In addition, the State proposes to continue Program Mammogram Selangor with an allocation of RM1 million for 2017, reaching out to 5,000 women who will benefit from this service when Putrajaya eliminated provisions for it.
According to statistics, the implementation of Skim Kesihatan Wanita through Program Mammogram Selangor had managed to provide health services to 22,505 women since 2008.
Maintain assessment tax
In addition, Mohamed Azmin again rise to the occasion to save the citizens of the largest contributing state to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). His concern for low-cost homeowners and villagers is evident in the exemption of assessment taxes for these groups. Even small traders are exempted from business license fees.
The exemption last year, which brought a financial impact of RM62 million to the State Government will be implemented with immediately effective January 1, 2017.
In fact, Mohamed Azmin is fair in providing appropriate remuneration to the Members of Parliament and Selangor State Assembly Members from the opposition party; even increasing their allowances to RM300,000 and RM200,000 respectively, per annum.
This, in comparison to Najib who endlessly seek out faults in oppositions in the Dewan Rakyat, while he tried to provoke them during the tabling of Budget 2017; although in many cases it did seem as though he was trying to cover up his own shortcomings.
So, it is hardly surprising that many netizens commented on their Facebook pages that Najib was merely presenting a ‘Handsome Budget’ which was dressed up in appealing colours and attire; rather than the contents of the budget itself.
#Nurul Farina Nazlan is an Editor with SelangorKini
A smart budget for the people versus a ‘handsome’ budget
