YOURSAY ‘There are new problems which require new mindsets and quick solutions.’

MP: While revising budget, revise finance minister, too

FellowMalaysian: It looks like the twin malaise that has hit our economy the last couple of months must have caused a severe blow to Premier Najib Abdul Razak's ability to hold on to his finance minister post to the extent that he is being compelled to make drastic and urgent revisions to the country's budget for 2015.

The depreciation of our ringgit against the USD as well as the steep drop in our country's revenue arising from an unabated fall in oil prices, pose major intractable imbalances to our economy.

With just RM50.5 billion originally allocated in the budget for development this year, any further cuts, which may well be the case when a country's income is suddenly slashed, will certainly affect the many mega transportation projects currently under construction in the Klang Valley.

The private sector will also be similarly affected and it would be prudent to defer or halt altogether controversial highway projects such as Kidex, Dash or Suke.

Check&Balance: The finance minister’s post should be held by a really qualified economist especially so during these critical times. How can there be check and balance when Najib holds both posts?

Anonymous 1096$&45: 44 years in politics becomes useless if the premier cannot keep up with the changes. New problems need new mindsets and quick solutions.

But our premier is in the silent mode in solving the rakyat's problems.

Dalvik: Highest ever national debt in history, 1MDB fails to make payment on time, various 'service taxes' on mobile phones, Astro and credit cards, are added burdens on the rakyat.

The finance minister post should be vacated because it is proven that Najib cannot spearhead two important posts. The Merdeka Centre should also make a poll on the performance of finance minister. I am sure the result should echo Kluang MP Liew Chin Tong’s sentiment.

Love God n Do Gd: I agree with Liew that the finance minister should not be the prime minister also. A full time finance minister as suggested by Liew should be appointed.

Imanust Nais Yalam: In any other 'normal' country, if the finance minister comes out with a scam like 1MDB, he will be crucified immediately. In Malaysia, he gets rewarded with golf and shopping trips around the world. Malaysia is really screwed by the 47 percent.

Caripasal: Not only the Finance Ministry, the entire cabinet needs to be revamped. Cabinet and civil service ought to be downsized, and budget slashed. Salaries need to be cut.

Take the immediate pain than the long-term pain. What is the point of having useless government servants if they continue to outsource their services at the expense of the rakyat.

The recent outsourcing of foreign worker permit renewals to MyEG is the best example. Get rid of useless ministers, and let's start with finance minister and home minister.

Mamba: The whole nation is paying for the astronomical expenses incurred by PM's Department. This redundant department is useless. During former PM Dr Mahathir Mohamad's time, the PM's Department was kept slim and fit yet the nation progressed.

CQ Muar: Wonder why MCA, Gerakan and MIC are meekly silent with regard to Kluang MP Liew Chin Tong's statement about PM Najib holding the dual posts.

As usual, they are afraid to incur the wrath of the prime minister lest they fall out of favour, and lose their benefits.

Basically, it is largely due to such coalition partners that the PM and his Umno-led government are at liberty to hold the trump card doing anything at will.

As the PM, Najib had been consistently criticised for his lackadaisical attitude, silence over crucial issues and worldwide trotting with his wife and family.

It is amazing indeed the way he addresses the rakyat (appearing on TV) with a brazen outward appearance as though nothing is amiss.

Doc: I am sure PM's Department and Permata's astronomical budget for 2015 will not be revised but the rest of the ministry's budget will be slashed with a machete. I will not be surprised that BRIM will be postponed/cancelled for 2015.

Whysoserious: He's not superhuman, guys. People have flaws. They make mistakes. Cut him some slack. He's trying his best to make things better. Just relax and support him. He'll be a great leader with our help. One nation. One country. One goal. For a better future.

Basically: Yes, Najib is doing such a great job that we are billions in debt. Bravo. The ringgit is down to a pathetic level compared to Brunei and Singapore dollar, all three were once on par.

That is a sure sign our economy is in the dumps, yet some people are still living in a dream world.

Warrant Addict : Umno Baru is the longest serving government in the world.  Ageing process is the law of nature. Expiry date is getting closer. Something to ponder about.

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