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PETALING JAYA: It is important that all the money allocated for the rakyat under Budget 2021 be disbursed to the implementing agencies strictly based on the timelines planned, says Malaysian Employers Federation executive director Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan.
It is also important for stringent monitoring measures to be adopted to avoid leakages, he added.
Malaysia SME (small and medium enterpresises) Association president Datuk Michael Kang stressed the need to avoid unnecessary red tape and prevent corruption in the implementation process.
“The government must carefully strategise how to execute all the plans and promises.
“It must ensure that the RM322.5bil Budget is fully utilised for the people’s benefit, boosting the economy and increasing the people’s income, ” he said.
Kang said the Budget execution would reflect the government’s determination and integrity in its delivery to the people.
“We have seen in the previous annual Budgets where the execution rates have been low, some not even up to 30%.
“This time, we want to see the allocations and promises being rolled out and distributed aptly by truly prioritising the people as we are still facing the Covid-19 pandemic, ” he said.
Kang also noted that Budget 2021 is an important launchpad for the 12th Malaysia Plan that will begin in 2021 and warrants delivery in governance.
Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia SMEs committee chairman Koong Lin Loong concurred, saying the execution “must be immediate and fast”.As a majority of Malaysian businesses are SMEs, he emphasised
the importance of the government attracting more foreign direct investment while also retaining domestic direct investment (DDI).
“It was mentioned in the Budget that Malaysia will transform into a destination for high-value service activities with various incentives given to attract foreign businesses to come and invest.
“The government should act on these to create the best investment climate in Malaysia amongst Asean countries, especially with the recently signed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
“This will help increase the country’s corporate tax revenue, ” he said, adding that retaining DDI would instil confidence in Malaysians reinvesting in the country.
Malaysian Medical Association president Datuk Dr Subramaniam Muniandy said the slim majority voting in support of the Budget meant the government would have to work doubly hard to address the people’s needs in these tough times.
“It is hoped that there will be transparency and accountability throughout, ” he said.
Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services Malaysia (Cuepacs) president Adnan Mat said the passing of the Budget would also allow civil servants to implement all the packages that were announced.
“We’ll also ensure that everything that has been tabled is channelled directly to the people, ” he said.
Malaysian Trades Union Congress deputy president Mohd Effendy Abdul Ghani said most of the Budget allocation for workers was indirect.
“For the wage subsidy programme, the companies are the ones that have to disburse. To ensure compliance by the companies, I believe Socso can double check if the money is given back to the workers, ” he said.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/12/16/carry-out-plans-and-promises-quickly