‘Review of Budget 2016 to focus on what is considered positive’
The review of the Budget 2016 will focus on what are considered positive by the market and the people, said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.
Najib, who is also finance minister, said the review would include issues on the cost of living, unemployment rate, private sector boost and commodities, especially oil prices.
“These considerations will improve the welfare of the people and deal with what is deemed important by the people.
“We took early steps... the government is being very proactive and we do not want the situation to overtake us. We should be able to take appropriate measures to reduce any negative impact it might have on the economy and welfare of the rakyat,” he told a media briefing in Putrajaya today.
Earlier, Najib chaired three meetings with analysts, economists, captains of industry and Special Economic Committee to seek their views on the proposed review of the Budget 2016.
Also present was Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Abdul Wahid Omar.
He said the meetings were held to ensure a comprehensive engagement and consultation process to gather the views and suggestions from various parties related to the reviewed Budget 2016.
“This will serve as the basis and consideration in efforts to present a Budget 2016 review,” he said.
Najib said he would also meet consumer representatives and relevant bodies including government-linked companies soon.
Najib is scheduled to present the reviewed Budget 2016 on Jan 28.
On the response from meetings with industry leaders, Najib said, the group was positive about the government’s plans to review Budget 2016.
“As in previous years, we take proactive measures whereby we do not want a specific situation to exert pressure on the nation’s economy and make it difficult for the people,” he said.
Meanwhile, Najib said the review of Budget 2016 should not be seen in isolation but should be considered as a total policy package by the government.
“We will have to consider whatever measures we are going to do considering their impact on growth, employment and inflation,” he said.
- Bernama
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