CHOP DOWN THE SIZE OF YOUR CABINET, DISBAND ROSMAH’S PERMATA: WHOSE BELT WILL NAJIB TIGHTEN IN BUDGET 2017

Early September, the prime minister requested for the public to share their ideas on what the 2017 Budget should address. Two weeks later at closing date, thousands responded and there were 369 pages of ideas in https:bajet2017.najibrazak.com.

The top 14 suggestions (there were about 20 similar suggestions in all) were for contract staff in the civil service (mainly Price Watch Team in KPDNKK) to be given full-time positions. In addition, there were requests for at least a one-month bonus to be given to deal with the rising cost of living. There were other proposals such as reducing the GST rate, saving Taman Rimba Kiara, rebates for repayment of PTPTN loan, etc.

In the 2016 Budget speech, Surah An-Nisa’ verse 58 was quoted and  translated as incumbent on leaders to safeguard the rights and ensure equitable distribution of wealth among the rakyat. One of the priorities which is very important was easing the cost of living of the rakyat.

Look around us today. After nearly nine months into 2016, where are we on easing cost of living for the rakyat. At every opportunity there were price increases. Hardly a few weeks after the budget speech, public transport fares were increased and this is a heavy burden for people with low and middle income. Did the service improve… how about the standstill at Kelana Jaya LRT line earlier this month? There were two breakdowns in a week. There were also toll rate and parking fee hikes. Were there any transparency and consultation done with stakeholders?

It is true that some people may have received pay raise to cope with the rising living costs. Unfortunately, the sharp rise in the living costs is overwhelming for many and the small pay increase does not commensurate with the ever rising cost increases. There is more to worry when unemployment figures are on the rise. Unemployed graduates now number more than 400,000.

Since time does not permit me to read every single idea in the link and knowing the fact that hopefully there will be officers looking at them, some of the following ideas of mine may be duplicates.

The thrust/priority of easing the cost of living of the rakyat should be continued and to include prioritising well-being of the rakyat;

To include a thrust to combat corruption – Corruption is a major obstacle to democracy and the rule of law. It depletes national wealth and undermines people’s trust in the political system, its institutions and leadership. Step up the fight on corruption with a view to be in the top 20 by 2020. Surely we can be better than Namibia, Rwanda and Botswana;

Reshuffle the Cabinet – To reduce number of ministers in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). During this period of economic uncertainties, companies including Petronas are reducing costs and also restructuring. If subsidies can be rationalised, it should be an easier task to reduce the numbers in PMO.

Amalgamate Ministry of Education with Ministry of Higher Education – Streamline and standardise many job scopes for greater efficiency and effectiveness and a clear direction on the overall education policy;

Amalgamate Ministry of Federal Territories with Ministry of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government – Avoidance of duplication and having a small ministry;

Scale down PEMANDU – We have enough local talents and resources to discontinue overseas consultants. Further, it is mostly monitoring works from now on;

Disband PERMATA – It was supposed to instill the right values from an early age and have a decent foundation upon which to build an honourable character on our children. We have not heard of spectacular achievements from the earlier batches and also, decent foundation should be the right of all children and not a select few;

Make ministers, Ketua Setiausaha Negara and all Ketua Setiausaha to be more accountable and responsible for any miscues by their respective ministries;

Overall review of all ministries – With the aim of increasing efficiency and effectiveness e.g. data and computer connections between ministries to interchange relevant information, increase inter-ministry communications, eliminate denial syndrome, etc;

Latihan Khidmat Negara (PLKN) to be discontinued temporarily – The idea was to encourage friendship between different races and ethnic groups but the success rate is very subjective especially with the emergence of the red and yellow shirts;

Review the Pan-Borneo highway project – there were conflicting numbers in terms of length and cost.

Length – In the 2015 Budget speech the project was for the construction of 1,663-km comprising 936 km in Sarawak and 727 km in Sabah at a total construction cost of RM27 billion. However, a Kementerian Kerja Raya statement in June 2015 stated the highway will be 2,239 km. In March 2016, the Sarawak Chief Minister said the Sarawak stretch is 820km.

Cost – when launching the first phase of the highway in April 2015, it was reported that the Sarawak portion costs RM13 billion. When officiating the ground-breaking ceremony for the third stage in March 2016, the prime minister said it is RM16 billion.

Review enforcement laws – There were cases when the fines/penalties are very low compared to cost and resources expended or incurred to deal with an offence;

Employ and train more staff to be enforcement officers – As an additional revenue to the government, fines/penalties, after the review in item 12 above should be more than costs incurred;

Review components in the Consumer Price Index – Average inflation is between 2 – 3% but costs of daily necessities have increased tremendously;

Increase transparency and inclusiveness – There were many cases where decisions made without proper consultation with stakeholders;

More Leadership – Malaysians need their leaders to be more responsive on sensitive and crucial issues;

Listen to House Buyers on Affordable Housing – The perception that the government is favouring developers should be avoided. Instead of pushing down house buyers throat the price quoted by developers, the latter should be willing to reduce profit margins. Of course, ‘compliance costs’ should be critically reviewed and

Establish registered Child Care centres at commercial and office complexes – It could be a win-win situation for working parents and the government. Locals can be trained and it mitigates the need for more foreign maids and the huge outflow of currency. I am very sure providers of foreign maids will object.

For the presentation of Budget 2017 and thereafter, I would propose for the finance minister to show comparison between budgeted and actual amounts spent for the previous year and also comparison between budget and actual spent up-to-date for the current year. Comments to be included on the achievements or any miscues on the various thrusts or strategies in the previous year’s budget.

For future request of ideas, the administrator should filter responses with similar requests (to be compiled as one request) and save unnecessary time and resources to peruse.

Let us pray for the well being of our beloved country and may God provide us an easy path to achieve greater heights.

Saleh Mohammed/MAILBAG