Muda lists 10 proposals for 2021 Budget

KUALA LUMPUR: Extend the moratorium until June 2021, a two-month bonus for frontline employees and the 1 Family, 1 Laptop scheme.

These are among the proposals voiced by the Muda party for the 2021 Budget.

The party also listed seven other proposals which include focusing on university students, tax relief and fair allocation for all MPs.

In a statement, Muda proposed a cash assistance of RM50 per month for university students for a period of six months as an online learning expenses.

In addition, the party said additional grants for retraining and upskilling for those who lost their jobs should be provided.

Here are 10 suggestions from Muda for Budget 2021 that will be presented on Friday, November 6, 2020:

1. Extend the moratorium until June 2021.

2. “1 Family, 1 Laptop”: Provides a laptop or cash allowance amounting to RM1,000 for each family for online learning use.

3. Cash assistance amounting to RM50 per month for university students as online learning expenses for the next 6 months. This is in line with the government's efforts to add mobile internet routers to expand its reach to areas that do not have or have weak coverage.

4. Two months bonus for frontline workers such as medical, police and military personnel in recognition of their sacrifices for the country and boosted enthusiasm in dealing with COVID-19.

5. Additional grants for retraining and upskilling for those who have lost their jobs, as well as providing assistance and job placement (focusing on the renewable energy sectors).

6. Additional grants and tax relief for businesses that prioritise the recruitment of local workers and new graduates, as well as those that adopt exemplary practices in reducing pollution and greenhouse effects.

7. Extend the wage subsidy program for businesses from January to June 2021, and provide higher subsidies for severely affected industries such as F&B, tourism and aviation.

8. Expand social security networks (allowances, funds, etc.) for vulnerable communities such as victims of domestic violence, the disabled community, artists etc. (as a result of the sharp increase in COVID-19 cases).

9. Allocation of funds to facilitate and encourage investments related to sustainable and renewable energy to create high value jobs for Malaysians while preparing for climate change.

10. Equitable allocation of Parliamentary constituencies for all Members of Parliament to ensure faster financial distribution to the affected areas and the process of decentralisation of assistance for the good of the people.

This Friday, the Minister of Finance, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz will present the 2021 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat.

The budget presentation is awaited by the people especially those who are severely affected by the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic which caused the Malaysian economy to collapse.