Sunday September 30, 2012

Budget the result of a well-managed economy, says Najib

By SARBAN SINGH
sarbans@thestar.com.my

SEREMBAN: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Budget 2013 is the result of a well-managed economy powered by an administration bent on doing its best for the people.

The Prime Minister said the Government’s resilient policies and elaborate measures had helped the nation chart impressive economic growth at a time when many other nations, including developed ones, were facing crises or meltdowns.

“We are able to do so (provide the incentives) as Malaysia has remained an oasis when many other nations are facing a myriad of economic problems.

“The policies put in place by my government have also helped attract both foreign and domestic investments and we (the nation) are now reaping the rewards,” he told the mammoth crowd that turned up at the Janji Ditepati (Pledges Fulfilled) programme at the Paroi Sports Complex here yesterday.

Breakfast round: Najib greeting Zaiton Jamaluddin at the Ampangan hawkers’ centre in Seremban. With them are Zaiton’s husband Azahari Ariffin (left) and daughter Zafirah Fadzli (right).

He refuted claims that it was an “election budget”, as alleged by some parties that see it as an attempt to win votes for the ruling Barisan Nasional.

“We are not a populist government because a populist government will not be able to deliver or fulfil its promises.

“They (the opponents) will make all sorts of promises such as giving you the moon, the stars and a place in heaven,” he said.

Najib said the so-called pledges by the Pakatan Rakyat to abolish toll charges and the National Higher Education Loan Fund (PTPTN) were just “ludicrous” and “illogical” promises.

“If these are abolished, it is you (the rakyat) who will have to bear the consequences as they will conveniently pass on the cost to you,” added the prime minister.

Najib said the Government had taken several measures to stimulate the economy, among which was listing Felda Global Ventures Holdings.

He reiterated that the Barisan government had delivered all promises made to the people, and these included the awarding of the BR1M aid and affordable housing through PR1MA.

“While they had the Bersih 1.0 and Bersih 2.0 rallies, my government gave out BR1M 1.0 and now, BR1M 2.0,” said Najib, to loud cheers and applause from the crowd.

Najib said the PR1MA homes in Negri Sembilan, to be jointly built by Perumahan Rakyat 1Malaysia and the state government, would be located here as well as in Seremban 2, Rasah and Senawang in the next two years.

Depending on the location, the houses are priced from RM150,000 to RM300,000 per unit with the minimum size set at 243sq m.

Najib said the PR1MA homes are for households with a monthly income of between RM2,500 and RM7,500.

Earlier in the day, Najib, accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, met residents in Ampangan during a walkabout.

He had breakfast at the Ampangan hawkers’ centre and launched the construction of a new RM8.9mil food court to replace the centre.

Present were Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and wife Datin Seri Raja Salbiah Tengku Nujumuddin.

News

Sunday September 30, 2012

Budget the result of a well-managed economy, says Najib

By SARBAN SINGH sarbans@thestar.com.my

By SARBAN SINGH
sarbans@thestar.com.my