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30th July, 2012
IPOH: The half month bonus payment to civil servants, which will involve a total payout of RM2.2 billion, will not disturb the government’s deficit target, and the government debt is under control, said Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah yesterday.
The country’s finances can afford a bonus payout through the Budget the government devises yearly, he said.
“In terms of national income, we have reached the target for this year, and we expect to see more tax collections from the Inland Revenue Board, Customs and dividends from government agencies.
“Meanwhile, the government’s expenditure is also under control where the government has implemented the “Value For Money” concept where the expenditure is not merely an expenditure but about the way we spend and how to reduce the spending,” he said.
He said this following the donation of a hearse (van) by Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) to the Taman Klebang Jaya Welfare Association at the Chemor Community Centre here yesterday.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak last week announced the bonus payment and also the special payment of RM500 to pensioners which will be paid out this August 9.
A total of 1.27 million public servants and 657,000 government pensioners will benefit from this payment which the government is giving out in recognition of their contribution.
Asked on the 2013 Budget, Husni said it was in the midst of preparation where discussions are being carried out with the target groups. Feedback from the people is still being received, he said.
He said the Prime Minister was also going online to get the people’s response in line with the concept of “People First, Performance Now”.
“Many suggestions have been given by the people. What is done by the government must reflect what the people want and the government will take the initiative to make it happen,” Husni said.
The Budget will also be based on the needs that the ministries and agencies want to fulfill besides considering the proposals from various parties including the private sector.
“Once we get the basic budget ready, each of the views will be studied and we will take on the suggestions that are found to be suitable for implementation,” he said.
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