Budget reduces deficit and boosts growth

Publication: NST

Date of publication: Oct 31, 2013

Section heading: Main Section

Page number: 018

Byline / Author: By Nor Shahid Mohd Nor

QUITE a vast segment of the population, including political and non-political groups and non-governmental organisations, think the 2014 Budget is good.

But there are those who always object to whatever the government is doing.

To them, the budget is unfair to the poor- and the low-income groups, and they will continue opposing it, especially on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the sugar subsidy withdrawal.

They are opposing for the sake of opposing, without doing their homework.

Perhaps they have not listened or read the budget thoroughly to understand that it is comprehensive and people friendly.

It was formulated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his team of financial experts to ensure the country's economy continues to expand at a strong pace and to reduce the fiscal deficit, with the goal of prospering the country and promoting the people's wellbeing.

The prime minister kept his 13th General Election promise and I feel that this budget can be relevant until 2020.

However, he said, everyone, including the government, should play his role and work to achieving the goal of a high-income nation by 2020.

It will be wise for all of us to give our full support to the government on this.

I am sure as a responsible and able government, it will not allow the country and its people to go to the dogs.

Nor Shahid Mohd Nor, Petaling Jaya, Selangor