KOTA KINABALU: Former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak has described the 2011 State Budget as a good one and people as well as rural development oriented.
He said the infrastructure development allocation of about RM1 billion made up the bulk of the government funding, and this showed the state government’s seriousness, under the leadership of the present Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa
Aman, to provide a balanced development between urban and rural areas as well as bringing progress to the state.
Salleh, who is now the Science and Technology Adviser to the Sabah Chief Minister, also welcomed the increase in the special allocation for each state constituency to RM1 million from next year.
“Apparently, the Sabah Government put forward a good budget for the people and by increasing allocation for every constituency it means more development for the people especially in the rural areas. This is an excellent idea or decision,” he said in a statement, here yesterday.
In tabling the 2011 State Budget at the State Legislative Assembly on Friday, Musa said the State Government, which is projecting an economic growth of between six and 6.5 per cent for the state next year, had allocated RM2.942 billion for its 2011 Budget, less by RM362 million compared with the Supply Estimate of 2010.
The Chief Minister also announced an increase in the special allocation for each state constituency by RM400,000 that is from RM600,000 to RM1 million beginning next year, and special payment of RM500 to the state civil servants in Grade 54 and below similar to those enjoyed by their federal counterparts.
He said the new well-structured Budget would certainly help all sections of society including government servants, thus helping realise the aspirations of the 1Malaysia concept introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak which, among others, prioritised the interests of the people and national unity.
In this respect, Salleh called for a smooth implementation of the proposed development projects for next year to ensure the people would really benefit from it.