First Budget 2013 focus group to meet June 13, says Husni

June 10, 2012

Ahmad Husni said the government was seeking as much feedback as possible. — File picIPOH, June 10 — The first focus group on the 2013 Budget will meet on June 13 to discuss 16 topics including macroeconomic, sectoral and social issues, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah said.

The discussions, themed “New Initiatives in Enhancing Private Investment” and involving representatives from business and non-governmental organisations, will centre around 84 memorandums received by the ministry on 20 macroeconomic, 49 sectoral and 15 social aspects, he told reporters after launching the 1Malaysia Library programme here today.

Ahmad Husni said the issues include boosting domestic demand through raising incomes, policy formulation, meeting the needs of target groups, enhancing the efficiency of Islamic finance, improving syariah education, strengthening social cohesion, and youths.

“The deliberations are aimed at resolving issues in private investment, human resource development and competitiveness,” he said.

Ahmad Husni, who is also Tambun MP, said the first session, lasting about two months, will be followed by meetings with academics, professional bodies, think thanks and the mass media.

“We want as much feedback as possible from all sectors of society,” he said.

On May 29, the ministry held a consultation on the 2013 Budget themed “Driving Transformation Towards A Developed Nation”. — Bernama