Close to ticking all the right boxes

NO national budget will be able to satisfy the needs, hopes and aspirations of everybody, but Budget 2023 has come close.

The sizeable allocations for the Education and Health Ministries are indeed appropriate although some feel that the amount could have been higher.

For example, while the allocation for the Health Ministry has been increased to RM36.3bil, it is still below the World Health Organisation yardstick of 5% of gross domestic product (GDP).

As a corollary to the budget, the government is planning to introduce a new bill in Parliament that will set guidelines for procedures on procurement and award of contracts.

This legislation will hopefully plug the leakages in government procurement that have been highlighted year in and year out by the Auditor-General.

The RM388.1bil budget – the largest in Malaysian history – comes with repeated commitments from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to curb wilful and negligent wastage and corruption.

We hope the government’s pledges will be complemented by vigorous execution.

Some of the new taxes proposed have not gone down well with some quarters, and it is hoped that changes could be made before the budget is passed.

The caring face of Budget 2023 is reflected in the proposed Child Development Department. This will enable the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry to recruit more staff to enforce child protection laws and enhance welfare. We also need to set up a department to cater for the elderly.

We hope MPs on both sides of the political divide will contribute meaningfully and positively to the debate on Budget 2023, and that time will not be wasted with unproductive behaviour, actions and accusations.

If you do not agree with any of the provisions, offer alternatives that will benefit the rakyat.

On its part, the government must keep an open mind and accept practical suggestions.

The country has many problems, but together we can overcome.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE

Kuala Lumpur