KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 – The allocation for the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) will be increased in Budget 2014 to be tabled in October but the quantum would depend on the nation’s financial situation, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The government, he said, was committed to provide the best budget for the people, but it had to depend on the country’s financial position.
Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said the government also aimed to reduce the country’s deficit from 4 per cent to 3.5 per cent in 2014 and to three per cent in 2015.
He said the government’s priority for the 13th Parliament which began sitting today was to fulfill the Barisan Nasional’s (BN) Aku Janji (pledges) made in the 13th general election.
“Discussions on Budget 2014 will begin next week. I, on behalf of the government, am happy to invite the people to give their views and opinions on the country’s budget for next year,” he said in the latest entry in his blog today.
“We are committed to continue to listen to the people, and we will place the people’s interests as the core in the framework of the country’s budget,” he added.
Najib said the parliamentary democracy practised in the country had flourished and the people were now more matured in making choices, as well as in upholding and applying the principles of democracy.
“The 13th general election results is proof that democracy still flourishes in our country,” he added.
He said the participation of more young parliamentary members at the current Parliament sitting could bring new hope to the young people who formed more than 40 per cent of the total registered voters in the country.
Regarding it as a healthy development, Najib said young people were the prime movers of the country’s social economic development.
In congratulating the MPs, Najib said as members of the Dewan Rakyat, their responsibilities included to propose, debate as well as approve bills in the interests of the people.
“It is also the role of MPs to study economic plans, the government’s budget, as well as existing laws to be improved, and also to get feedback from their constituents,” he added.
He expressed confidence that the MPs could debate in a courteous manner as well as contribute ideas and opinions for the good of the people.
He also called on MPs to work hard as the people depended on them.
“On behalf of myself and the BN government, I extend my appreciation to the people who have given their mandate to me and BN to continue to administer the country.
“The trust that has been given will not be wasted by leaders under the BN leadership,” he added.
