Public on the lookout for goodies

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak economics lecturer, Prof Dr Shazali Abu Mansor said the granting of goodies in every budget has become the norm because the people are more interested in receiving goodies than hearing about tax reductions or the budget deficit.

"While the budget is being tabled, people will be guessing or wondering what kind of offerings are awaiting them. For instance, will they receive a bonus or will the quantum for the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) programme be raised or reduced?

"The guessing game will persist as these things are not enshrined in the budget, hence the public will always wonder if it is a 'yes' or 'no'. If at all these goodies are part and parcel of the budget, then there is nothing there to attract their attention," he told Bernama.

Shazali also said the government's subsidy rationalisation programme is aimed at curtailing leakages and thrusting the nation onto a positive growth path.

Accounts officer Nur Syahida Radzali said while it is important that the budget contains a host of goodies to motivate the people to continue working hard to improve the nation's economy, the government should also look into the interests of all parties.

"A good budget takes care of all the needs of the people, without taking into consideration whether they work in the public or private sector. This is because all of them contribute to the income of the nation.

"I hope the budget will offer more rewards to the people so that they can live more comfortably without any worries," she said.

She also said the public should not be overly dependent on government subsidies and that they should advance in life on their own initiative. Nur Syahida also advised the public, especially those in the lower-middle-income categories, to be more prudent in their spending and manage their finances wisely.

Accounts assistant Nor Hashidah Ismail Tang said besides offering goodies, the budget should also address the rising cost of living.

"The people, especially the younger generation, are getting smarter and they want to know what the government plans to do to contain the rising cost of living," she said.

She said while the people wanted the best from the government, it should not just offer goodies but also ensure that all its promises are fulfilled.