Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Thursday gave the assurance that all recommendations made in the 2018 Budget Consultation Council will be scrutinised and given due consideration.
He said the council, which is an important platform for the public, private and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to give their views and feedback on the challenges and current issues as well as measures to address them, proves the openness and concern of the government in putting the people's interest up front.
The prime minister also described the presentations given by representatives from the World Bank, Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad, Deloitte Southeast Asia, Universiti Malaya and Catcha Group and the participation of 236 representatives of institutions have contributed to a very intensive and productive discussion.
"Among them, Dr. Deepak Mishra of the World Bank has suggested that focus be given to increased productivity and a more inclusive growth, including the addition of women workers.
"The Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad, represented by Encik Nor Zahidi Alias has advocated an economic growth of five percent in 2018 and he also suggested that efforts be continued to improve income growth for urban residents to address issues of urban poor," he said in his blog, najibrazak.com yesterday.
Meanwhile, Najib said he was confident that Malaysia could achieve a competitive global environment by developing a strong entrepreneurial spirit, driven by a culture of innovation and creativity by giving priority to the digital economy.
He said to achieve the target, Malaysia should adopt a more proactive and aggressive use of technology and digitalisation in business that could directly increase productivity.
"Digital Malaysia is given high priority in the government's agenda and we will intensify innovation as it is the differentiation factor that drives profitability and long-term growth," he said.
He further said that he was delighted to receive positive feedback regarding government initiatives such as the Digital Free Trade Zone, which was presented by the representative of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM).
"In promoting the growth of e-commerce, the ACCCIM representative had also proposed increasing the tax exemption values on online purchases," he said.
He said that other topics which were also emphasised included the importance of 'sharing economy' and how the concept could be of great benefit to the people of Malaysia which was presented by a representative of Deloitte Southeast Asia, Kavita Rekhraj.
"For example, an Uber driver can earn as much as RM4,300 a month and a host in the Airbnb platform can earn a five-figure income of RM17,000 upon receiving bookings of 60 nights," he added.
In addition, he said, topics related to the digital economy were also touched upon which saw Co-Founder and Catcha Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Patrick Grove suggesting that Malaysia became the first country to introduce the framework on delivering goods using drones other than the digitalising of all government services to improve efficiency.
Patrick also suggested that the subject of artificial intelligence be made part of the curriculum in secondary schools to ensure that the education system can produce students who are innovative, Najib said.
"According to him, this is important in ensuring that our students are able to change according to future needs especially even more so to fill jobs that currently do not exist yet," he said.
According to Najib, the topic of education was also much discussed by representatives of the Malaysian Social Science Association (PSSM) who had expressed their wish that scholarships and grants for students of private universities based on merit could be created especially for the low-income and disabled groups other than hoping that the government would boost the allocation for vocational training.
"Hopefully, the government will present a budget that is sensitive to the problems of the people and progressive in ensuring the country continued to progress toward TN50," he said.
The Prime Minister is expected to present the 2018 Budget in October.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Jun 16 2017
Najib says he was confident that Malaysia could achieve a competitive global environment by developing a strong entrepreneurial spirit, driven by a culture of innovation and creativity by giving priority to the digital economy. - Filepic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.