PM INVITES MALAYSIANS TO SHARE IDEAS FOR 2011 BUDGET

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has invited Malaysians to share their ideas for the 2011 national budget, which is expected to be tabled in Parliament in October. He says that just like in 2009, he feels yet again the significance of connecting with and seeking ideas directly from the people on the ground. "It was with the principles of inclusiveness and social justice in mind that I had asked for my fellow Malaysians to contribute suggestions for the 2010 National Budget," and the people's ideas made up a significant portion of the budget as a result, he says in the latest entry in his blog, www.1Malaysia.com.my. "I remember well the hundreds of solid suggestions for our budget on how to make Malaysia a better economy, a more progressive economy," he says. "For your feedback and suggestions, I thank you and invite you once more to share your ideas for the upcoming 2011 National Budget," he adds. Najib says that being online, he has received some wonderful suggestions and feedback from the younger Malaysian community and that he would like to invite the people to come forward with creative ideas and solutions for the coming 2011 budget. "I urge everyone to use this opportunity to participate and input your suggestions. You are, after all, the generation that will be driving our country's economy for the next 20 years. "Post your suggestions below and I hope to find some inspiring and innovative ideas that will benefit all Malaysians," he says. Najib says the Finance Ministry as well as other ministries and agencies have already started discussions on the 2011 national budget. "Time seems to fly by quickly these days. Nevertheless, in the last eight months, I believe we have been making great strides towards transforming Malaysia into a more competitive, more united nation," he says. The prime minister says that this year "we have unveiled the Government Transformation Programme, the New Economic Model and the 10th Malaysia Plan as measures that will chart the course for the nation's development as we approach the year 2020. "These measures also promote greater inclusiveness and emphasis on social justice so that no Malaysian is left behind in our steady march forwards." Source : Bernama