Property Hunter Magazine Property Hunter Magazine Issue 50 - January 2014 | Page 38

/// East Malaysia Property News CM Tables RM4.622 Billion Budget expenditures for the coming year is increased by RM648.66 million or 59.62% compared with the estimated recurrent expenditures of RM1,087.93 million for year 2013. Sabah’s Chief Minister tabling his budget Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman tabled a deficit 2014 State Budget of RM4.622 billion, which is RM534 million more than the estimated provision in 2013. Describing the deficit budget as the ‘best gift ever for the people of Sabah’, Aman said, “From the 2014 supply allocation of RM4,621.5 million, I propose a distribution of RM702.51 million for emoluments, RM1,736.59 million for recurrent expenditures and RM2,182.4 million for special expenditures.” Emolument has increased by RM39.34 million or 5.93% compared to the total of RM663.17 million in 2013 due to salary adjustments for State civil servants under the Malaysian Remuneration System which was implemented in 2013. And, to ensure that the government’s machinery run smoothly at maximum capacity, effective and efficient in the effort to improve the government’s delivery system for our beloved people, the estimated recurrent He stressed that the people’s wellbeing and state’s prosperity are the main agendas for them to always strive for, which he believes, are certainly achievable. The increase in the allocation is also due to repayment of Government bonds maturing in 2014 amounting to RM568.9 million and repayment of Federal Government debts amounting to RM171 million. Special Expenditure shows a decrease of RM154.98 million or 6.63% compared to RM2,337.38 million for 2013. “Blessed with strength and determination, Sabah Barisan Nasional Government is always able to perform with excellence and is highly capable to contribute and serve the people continuously. This year, the government made numerous equity investments in government agencies and hence the reduction in 2014. Nonetheless, the state government will ensure that our development agenda and investment will continue to be intensified specifically on high impact projects that can further spur the state economic growth. Aman also said that with the biggest expenditure recorded in the financial history of the State budget. It will boost the economy of Sabah and enable it to grow to a higher scale and thus achieve a high income economy within a short span of time. The Finance Minister is also confident that people from all walks of life, regardless of religion, race, gender, rich or poor, old or young, physically fit or those who are physically challenged, wherever they may be on land or sea, will benefit from the just unveiled State Budget 2014. “With a projected revenue of RM4.583 billion for the year 2014, which is the highest estimate in the history of State budget preparation, the 2014 Supply Expenditure, which is also the biggest budget in the State financial history, is estimated at RM4.622 billion, in order to meet the people’s expectations, to continue our development agenda and most importantly to fulfill our promises. “This shows that within a span of 50 years, the estimated revenue has increased remarkably by 74.52 times and the estimated expenses by 75.77 times. Words kept, promises fulfilled, this is why the Barisan Nasional should continue to hold the reins of the State Government,” said Musa. In order to accelerate the State’s economic growth momentum, Aman said, the 2014 Budget will focus on the six objectives and strategies, namely, to strengthen the state financial position; to improve basic infrastructure and public amenities; to expedite the achievement of Halatuju; to develop youth and human capital of high value and quality; to eradicate poverty and improve the quality of life of the people; and to achieve balanced regional development. He said the Budget theme ‘Ensuring Continuity of the People’s Well-being’ was aptly chosen as it reflected the government’s continuous commitment and sincerity towards the people of the state. “Sabah played a major role in the formation of Malaysia since 50 years ago. During those five decades, the people of Sabah have gone through various experiences, through thick and thin in politics, economy, social, and education, to mention some. “Nevertheless, we are thankful that despite all these challenges, Sabah still continues to march forward and carves her own success story. For the next five decades and many more years to come, the BN Government has already laid a strong foundation in ensuring that Sabah will continue to flourish.” “Our aim is for the well-being of the people and the State’s prosperity, not merely for our own personal interests, but for our future generations as well. “I appeal to all parties, including the opposition, to work, and put our heads and minds together to embark on a transformation that will ensure continuity of the people’s well-being and the State’s prosperity for the sake of Sabah. Together, we can do it,” he said. Exciting Activities for Kids to Be Held at the 2014 PH Expo in Kota Kinabalu! The 2014 Property Hunter Expo scheduled in Kota Kinabalu on 7 to 9 March will be a family affair for all the enjoy! While parents explore the different booths for investment opportunities, children can participate in a drawing and colouring competition which is sponsored by Logistics Company, ABX Express Sdn Bhd for the third year running during Property Hunter Expo. The contest will be held on 8 March (Saturday) from 2:00pm to 4:30pm, pre-registration is essential. 38 www.PropertyHunter.com.my Contestants will be divided into three groups namely, Group A: age 4 to 6 years old, Group B: age 7 to 9 years old, and Group C: age 10 to 12 years old. ABX Express will be sponsoring five prizes for each category: first prize worth RM 300, second prize worth RM200, third prize worth RM 100, f