Incentives for tourism, education and property crucial to uplifting Malaysians

Malaysian aviation tycoon and AirAsia founder Tan Sri Tony Fernandes has called on the government to look for innovative ways to drive the tourism industry for it to continue contributing to the nation's coffers.

"It is important to keep tourism growing and to do whatever needed to aid the sector as it is a great job creator," he told Bernama.

He also said it would be fantastic if the government provides incentives for hotels as well as allow more marketing campaigns to boost the industry, all of which are crucial in luring the tourist dollar while boosting domestic tourism.

"Obviously, we have had issues in Sabah and some disasters. But I think it is important we build a great tourism industry and nurture it, so as to bring back its glory days," Fernandes said.

He acknowledged that it was tough for the government to work on the coming budget as everyone wants something, but investing in tourism is an investment in jobs.

Turning to education, he said it was the best investment by a government for the people.

"I love to see the education system being given a shot in the arm.Our children are the future and we spend a lot on education. But more importantly, it is how we spend the money," he added.

Fernandes also expressed the hope that some money could go into sports, the arts and drama, to enable children to be both creative and all-rounders.

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who was at one time the Education Minister, also strongly feels that the Budget 2015 should look into upgrading the education system.

"The education system has room for improvement, especially in changing the character of people.

"It is not good to just give them knowledge without the training on how to use it and this aspect is neglected.

"I think shaping the character of our future citizens must be attended to at the schools level as parents nowadays do not have time to teach their children," he said.

Property too will be a closely watched sector during the budget announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in Parliament on Oct 10.

The Real Estate And Housing Developers' Association Malaysia (Redha) hopes the government will reintroduce the Developer Interest Bearing Scheme (DIBS) for just first time buyers in the budget to boost house ownership.

Its President Datuk Seri F.D. Iskandar urged the government to continue the financial assistance under the MyHome scheme announced in the previous budget.