2015 Budget (People's Budget is Future-Centric)

            Winston Churchill once said: “To improve is to change so to be perfect is to have 
changed often.” Changes are daring moves that help us make a difference. If plans are smooth sailing, it’s a beautiful present. If they happen otherwise, it’s a useful lesson.

Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

            The 2015 Budget tabled by the prime minister on Friday and the gist of the speech has since been the talk of town. Many jump for joy and tick off their wish list while some look down in the mouth for the announcements do not meet their expectation. Truth be told, it is hardly possible to satisfy everyone.

            It is undeniable that various aspects have been vastly covered in the budget. Themed the "People’s Economy", the budget considers the wellbeing of people from all walks of life. From schoolchildren, working adults and retirees, to Orang Asli and the handicapped, all have been guaranteed benefits. The government ensures that no one will turn into green-eyed monsters for being made less important or left behind.

            All women have every reason to smile following the approval of 2.26 billion allocated to uplift their role. 

            The mainstreaming of technical and vocational education is another relevant decision, given that the demand for workers with technical and vocational qualifications will be higher by 2020. It is healthy competition for applicants who fight for a place in technical and vocational training (TEVT) programmes. 

            For decades, parents did everything they could to make their children doctors, lawyers, and engineers, without taking a second glance at other options. Now, it’s time for parents to get out of the box and realise that the grass is now greener on the other side. Those with technical skills will be highly sought after. 

            The allocation of 26.7 billion should be wisely spent to beef up national security to prevent another intrusion in Sabah and to avoid incidents like the hack of automated teller machines (ATM) and the bomb blast in Bukit Bintang, from recurring.  

            I feel the 2015 Budget is not only people-centric, but also future-centric. The implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST), the incentives for electric vehicles and the focus on the role of youth as future leaders, who will maintain the country’s pristine glory, are forward-looking.

          The amount of 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) for qualified individuals has increased while the civil servants and government pensioners are to receive a bonus in January.

The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie
makes life a wonderful journey.

            To quote Maya Angelou: “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.”

            And if we find our basket of goods full with lemons one day, just make lemonade.

Courtesy to New Straits Times,

13 October 2014