KUALA LUMPUR:Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak stressed that Sabahans are most affected by the third wave of COVID-19 and they cannot wait until next year before aid arrives.
Debating the Supply (Budget) Bill 2021 in the Dewan Rakyat today, the Pekan Member of Parliament said he hoped that an additional RM1,000 could be allocated under Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat (BPR), especially for residents in the state.
According to him, the government should have no problem because it made a special allocation for Sabah after Petronas reportedly agreed to pay a dividend of RM1.23 billion to the state.
“Sabahans need help now, not next year. Because CMCO (Conditional Movement Control Order) has been implemented in Sabah for the longest time, the state is most affected by the pandemic," he added.
Najib said Sabah needed special attention as the state had recorded the highest poverty rate and the lowest growth rate in Malaysia.
In the meantime, he also suggested that the government establish a 'Look Borneo' policy, as one of the efforts to make Sabah and Sarawak as big investment destinations and potentially to generate the country's economy.
"I suggest that whatever vision or plan the government has in mind, it is necessary to take an approach to the East, but not as far as to Japan. Suffice to just Borneo, namely Sabah, Sarawak and Kalimantan.
"They have a huge source of natural wealth, their location is strategic, because it is closer to developing countries in East Asia than Peninsular Malaysia. It does not make sense for us to let Malaysia's major companies only invest abroad without taking into account Sabah and Sarawak, "he added.
Najib said the real unity is Sabah and Sarawak together with Malaysia, not just Sabah for Sabahans, or Sarawak for Sarawakians only.
Firdaus Azil
Tue Nov 10 2020
Najib said the government should have no problem because it made a special allocation for Sabah after Petronas reportedly agreed to pay a dividend of RM1.23 billion to the state. BERNAMA file pic
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.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.