Azmin’s budget is coming up roses
The deficit budget of RM2.42 billion holds plenty of surprises and thoughtful allocations that shows the MB is living up to his pledges.
(Free Malaysia Today) – Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali is getting attention for all the right reasons. He has tabled a budget as sweet as roses, although it is first deficit budget since 2008.
Under Azmin’s budget of RM2.42 billion for 2015, Selangorians will finally get a taste of a better life now that RM1.13 billion has been earmarked for the state’s development that will include improvements on local infrastructure.
It is also arguably the biggest ever allocation for residents’ well-being in Selangor’s history.
The state’s 12 opposition MPs from Umno meanwhile can look forward to receiving RM200,000 each for Program Mesra Rakyat, which consists of various people-friendly programmes. Former menteri besar Khalid Ibrahim is among the 12, now that he is the independent representative of Port Klang.
Also included in the state budget allocation was a Toyota Camry for the official use of state opposition leader Mohd Shamsudin Lias.
Saying the move will cost the state RM100,000 a year, Azmin explained that the expenses would include Mohd Shamsudin’s fixed monthly allowance of RM3,000 as well as the salaries of his driver and secretary besides miscellaneous costs.
Azmin also announced a whopping seven-fold increase in allocations for state assemblypersons from RM100,000 to RM700,000 while civil servants in Selangor can rejoice with an expected bonus equivalent to 1.5 months’ salary.
Azmin also said the state would appoint a parliament coordinator with a yearly allocation of RM100,000.
