People-centred programmes focus of Budget 2016: Ahmad Husni

Priority will be given to people-centred programmes and projects in Budget 2016 with the expected moderation in world and domestic economic growth, said Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah.

At the same time, government agencies should cooperate to avoid overlap in functions and wastage so that high-impact programmes can be implemented, he said.

"The government will fulfill its pledge and at the same time ensure the country's economic growth and financial situation remain sustainable," he said in a statement here today.

Ahmad Husni said the government will consider all suggestions, proposals and views made at a dialogue between representatives of the people and his ministry yesterday as input into Budget 2016.

At the dialogue, the government was urged to focus on living costs, infrastructure, balanced development between urban and rural areas as well as between the peninsula and Sabah and Sarawak, water and electricity supply in rural areas, and construction of village roads.

The government was also urged to give more attention to rural residents, the bottom 40 percent household income group (B40) and the middle-income group, as well as the provision of more affordable houses for low- and middle-income earners.