KUALA LUMPUR: The government has tabled an inclusive and balanced budget in the 2024 Budget announced today.
Former second finance minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has a clear focus on the types of assistance which would benefit all parties.
His favourite amongst all the announcements was related to universities not being able to turn down students who could not provide the RM1,500 registration fee.
"Education is important to empower our youths for the future.
"It is sad when students from underprivileged families have no choice and are unable to further their studies just because they could not afford the registration fee.
"The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) takes time to disburse the funds, so it is important to allow the students to come in and begin their tertiary education," said the Titiwangsa member of Parliament to reporters at the parliament lobby today.
He also said that he looks forward for the implementation of the targeted subsidies as announced in the budget.
For now, only the electricity subsidy has been announced.
"We have to look at the mechanism, if it is done right then the right people will benefit from it.
"Through the implementation of targeted subsidies, the savings can be easily channeled to the underprivileged community," he added.