Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim today urged the federal government to set up an Independent Grants Commission as practised in other countries such as Canada and Australia.

In tabling the 2010 state budget speech in Shah Alam, the menteri besar said the move is needed to achieve "fairness and equality" when it comes to the state's financial distribution.

According to him, there has been intense debate regarding the financial administration, particularly in the states controlled by Pakatan Rakyat.

NONE "In order to have a mature democracy with a two-party system in the federal context, it is ideal for us to use this commission, where it is not based on political affiliations," said Khalid.

Therefore, he added, the mentality of "winner takes all" practised by the Barisan Nasional federal government can now be avoided through better legislation such as using the formula of "equalisation".

"And this equalisation will take into account the population, poverty rate, development area, cost, human development and per capita income," he said.

"By giving more autonomy to state governments, this move is expected to increase public participation in the democratic system itself," he added.

RM50 billion investment over 10 years

He also determined that the state 2010 budget will generate RM50 billion in investments over the next 10 years by realising six main projects in the economy stimulus package.

The objective of the budgets, said the menteri besar, is to:

  • increase economic opportunities in Selangor
  • extend the success of returning the state's wealth to the people through communitarian economic programme.
  • provide infrastructure and human resources in Selangor.
  • implement the stimulus economy package that is planned throughout 2009.

Below are some of the salient points pointed out by the menteri besar during his speech.

  • every new housing area will be equipped with high-tech and enough security facilities. RM3 million will be allocated to install CCTVs at sufficient locations in every local government in Selangor.
  • state government to allocate RM500,000 to have two pilot projects to upgrade the living standard of the poorest Orang Asli and is prepared to transfer ancestral land to the rightful owners.
  • state government will conduct a health programme to assist low-income earners by financing RM700 for eye treatment, RM60 for every kidney dialyses check-up and minor surgery not more than RM1,500.