Budget 2015: Mixed reactions from MPs

Budget 2015, the final budget under the 10th Malaysia Plan tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak focused on several main issues which included the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and a higher 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) payout.

Among the topics which had many people talking about was RON95 petrol, diesel and LPG being exempted from GST.

Here are some reactions from several Members of Parliament, following the announcement:

Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin:

"The 2015 Budget is the most appropriate and accurate budget for the people as it touched all levels of the community, in line with its theme 'People's Economy Budget'. The allocation for the education has been given an increase of RM2.3 billion and special focus will be given for maintenance and upgrading of all 10,000 schools nationwide accordingly. Likewise the government has decided to continue the RM100 and book vouchers aid for all students regardless of household income. Although many people have said that the RM100 should not be given to students from high income family, the government looks at this in terms of educational aid."

Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi:

"The allocation of RM13.39 billion will help the ministry to focus on the two areas with more than RM9 billion allocated for police operations. The one long pending issue was the police quarters that were in a sad condition and this time the budget has given allocation to upgrade the quarters. This will certainly make the police personnel happy and give them new motivation."

Seputeh MP, Teresa Kok:

"The PM has announced a RM50 increase in the aid for the disabled. For me, this is still a small amount as some people depend on this aid. We have to admit that the poverty rate in the country has increased. As for BR1M, yes, it would be a great help for the lower income group, but one has to remember that it is a one off thing. Plus, some people who are not qualified to receive BR1M, benefit from it. So, how is BR1M managed? BR1M will not solve the inflation problem."

Kluang MP Liew Chin Tong:

"I think Budget 2015 did not focus on public transport. It only focused on highways. The PM touched on many issues but there is no solution to public transport problem."

Batu MP, Tian Chua:

"GST will be a main source of revenue for the government and the rakyat will bear this. The Government has the responsibility to ensure its expenditure follows the rakyat's needs. I am still waiting for the government to come up with an effective method to reduce wastage."

Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim:

"As usual, this budget repeated several earlier announcements. Like the Pan-Borneo highway, that (has been repeated) for six or seven years. But the issue of rising costs has not been tackled. On the fuel price hike, I think it is not reasonable when the fuel price went down on the international level. Corruption and some big contracts that increased cost were not mentioned at all. GST is not an issue of exemption but the increase of price of goods which is sure to happen."