Practise transparency, accountability and integrity - Lam Thye

"What needs to be done now is for the government to introduce an effective monitoring system to ensure that the budget proposals are effectively implemented," Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Trustee of the 1 Malaysia Foundation said in a statement Sunday.

Lee had personally agreed that the government has made a good start in addressing the peoples’ need.

“In terms of reducing the financial burden of Malaysians, particularly the low and middle income groups the Budget had helped in some ways like for example introduction of 2,000 GST-free items, no goods and service tax on Ron 95 petrol, income tax exemption for 300,000 individual taxpayers with families and monthly income of less than RM4,000 a month, etc," he said.

Lee also supported the government’s move in increasing the allocation for the Malaysian Armed Forces and the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM).

He also welcomed the allocation of RM1.2 billion in financial assistance to help poor families, children, senior citizens and the disabled.

"The allocation of RM9.1 billion to the PDRM which includes the recruitment of more policemen should help to enhance the spirit and commitment of the police to make our streets and communities safe," he said.

He, however, added that more measures should be taken in addressing the rise in cost of living.

"Undoubtedly the most pressing issues facing the people today are the rising cost of living, housing and urban living, education and social welfare and these need to be addressed by the 2015 Budget."

Citing an example, Lee said more personal tax relief could be provided for those with children and even for single women.

"The government should provide more personal tax relief for those who have to bring up children and for working Malaysians to take care of their aged parents.