New budget is well-balanced and timely, says Adnan

Published: Tuesday October 29, 2013 MYT 12:00:00 AM 

Updated: Tuesday October 29, 2013 MYT 9:11:57 AM

BY SIMON KHOO AND ONG HAN SEAN

KUANTAN: Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob has lauded Budget 2014 as a well-balanced one as all groups are given due consideration.

He said in a statement that the introduction of the goods and services tax (GST) was very timely and the Government should continue to explain why it was necessary.

Meanwhile, Federation of Chinese Associations president Tan Sri Pheng Yin Huah welcomed the Kuantan Port expansion and the construction of the integrated petrochemical complex in Gebeng as catalysts for further economic growth in Pahang.

He said the move would draw massive investments to the region.

“Coupled with the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park in the same area, this is great for development in Kuantan as well as the east coast region,” Pheng said.

In tabling Budget 2014, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced an allocation of RM1.6bil for the development of five regional corridors.

The projects in the east coast corridor are the expansion of the Kuantan Port and the building of an integrated petrochemical complex in Gebeng and Kertih.

In TEMERLOH, former deputy minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said the GST would not burden the people.

Saifuddin said the 17-month time frame would provide an opportunity for the people to understand the mechanics of GST and its benefits.

“The rate of 6% is lower than what is presently imposed through the government and service tax and not all items will be taxed,” he said after opening a sports camp in Taman Jaya here. On Friday, Najib announced the implementation of the GST from April 1, 2015.

However, the GST will not be imposed on basic food items as well as government, education, health and transport services, among others.

On party matters, Saifuddin said he was willing to continue contributing to the Temerloh Umno division if given an opportunity.

Saifuddin lost the division deputy chief post and was not successful in retaining his supreme council seat.