SHAH ALAM, 20 Nov: Allegations by certain quarters that the Selangor Budget 2014 presented by the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, yesterday as bringing no benefits to the people and is punitive in nature, has been rejected by people from all walks of life.
Instead, the public regard this as a good budget because it provides funding to all by focusing on the welfare of the people.
The views from people of all walks of life are contrary to reports by the mainstream media, claiming that the budget themed ‘An Economic and High Impact Budget for the People’s Well-being’ does not bring about benefits and is punitive in nature.
In fact, Norhesni Ismail, 40, said that the budget is considered to be the best as it also acknowledges women and families with substantial provisions.
She said the use of state reserves amounting to RM430 million is done at the right time because it helps various communities.
“It proves that the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) government is trying to help the people, while increasing income and state revenue, and at the same time spending it for economic development.
“The RM30 million allocated for women is sought after to empower this group in Selangor through various programmes,” she said when met by Selangor Kini today.
S Rosanty, 46, said that the Selangor Budget 2014 is different from the budget tabled by Barisan Nasional (BN) because the state government emphasises on the welfare of the people.
She said that the state reserves are well spent because it is money received from taxpayers and it should be returned.
“The state government budget prioritises the people instead of cronies or those who only think along the lines of politics only,” she said.
NGO activist, Maria Kamel, 35, said that the budget is balanced in terms of economic and infrastructural development in meeting the needs of the people.
She said that it also focuses on empowerment and human development so that the people will be empowered in thinking as well as skills as an individual and as families.
“Finally, the budget can act to contribute to the welfare of the society in general. Congratulations to the Selangor government,” she said.
