Did I catch your attention with the title of the post? Sorry, couldn't help myself ... hihihihi...
I begin writing this as DS Najib was outlining major increases to the renumeration or rather pay scheme for teachers, a much under-appreciated group within a much suffering public sector. The budget, including this part, appeals to me as even if it is not perfectly satisfying, I find many parts matching what I was hoping for for the country, such as:
1 - Introducing or in reality re-introducing mechanisms to curb property speculation which has led to houses being unaffordable especially for youths just starting with life. So we see the RCGT or Real Capital Gains Tax being revised again, the material component being a new setting of 10% for those who sell properties within 2 years of buying. I would have preferred something more extreme also for the initial 6 month window, but I suppose DS Najib needs to ensure the new tax doesn't deflate the property market.
2 - I wanted small changes to ease the cost faced by youths, especially those with young families, and am pleased to see sucj small changes such as abolishing the remainder fees for government school-going children.
3 - I am really pleased that the government is continuing their commitment to increase public sector pay, like for the teachers, and increasing the retirement age, as this will force the payscale up across the nation as the public sector remains employer of last resort for most new job-seeker. Inflationary my foot, we all need a salary adjustment!
4 - I am glad they are continuing to expand the Kedai 1Malaysia concept... though wonder what will ensure its future sustainability...
Anyway, I will have more words when joining the streaming forum at MobTV... have a peek?
PS - Wow, budget give RM 320 Million to Youths or Belia, even mentioning it should be channeled via Majlis Belia Malaysia and its subsidiaries! Question is, will the Ministry deliver the monies through these Youth led organisations?
