DPM: Don’t politicise Budget 2024

Ready, aim, strike: Ahmad Zahid trying a hand at knocking down empty milk tins during his visit to the playground at the Kelantan state-level National Sports Day 2023 in Taman Etnobotani in Gua Musang. —Bernama

GUA MUSANG : Don’t politicise Budget 2024, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as the Madani government’s Supply Bill was better than that of previous years.

“Long-term plans are spelt out in the 12th Malaysia Plan and there is also a mid-term review.

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“In fact, the Economy Ministry is also drawing up various plans.

“The annual Budget should not be viewed solely in the context of current needs but should also be taken for its short- and medium-term (proposals),” he said.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, was speaking to reporters after launching the Kelantan state-level National Sports Day 2023 at Taman Etnobotani here yesterday, Bernama reported.

He said what was emphasised by the Prime Minister had been comprehensively researched and Budget 2024 took into consideration the interests of all sectors of society.

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“I think this Budget is better than the ones before this,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said that the RM276mil allocated to Kelantan should be used to build seven sports facilities for the 2028 Malaysia Games (Sukma), which the east coast state will host.

He added that the government wanted sports to unite and integrate different communities, despite their different political leanings.

“Kelantan certainly has the highest sporting talent but it has to be enhanced with (better) facilities and coaching,” he said.

Also present were Kelantan Madani Unity government chairman Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub, state police chief Datuk Muhamad Zaki Harun and Galas assemblyman Mohd Syahbuddin Hashim.

Ahmad Zahid said the South Kelantan Development Authority (Kesedar) would consider making an application for a Sports Complex to be built in Gua Musang for that purpose.

“I will hold talks with several ministries, including the Youth and Sports along with the Finance Ministry. I will announce a decision, most probably, this year or next year,” he said.