GEORGE TOWN: The Madani 2025 Budget, tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday, prioritises the needs of the people despite the current challenging global economic situation, said Penang PKR state leadership council chairman, Nurul Izzah Anwar.
She added that welfare issues were a top priority and that the government was making efforts to increase allocations to ensure the public development agenda could be fulfilled.
"Although the budget may not fully meet our ideal expectations, the steps taken to address the people's needs, such as the minimum wage, job opportunities, and safety net programmes, add up to a significant total.
"The budget must align with reform plans. For example, the Education Ministry's Anak Kita programme, where over 3,000 schools nationwide are collaborating with civil society organisations, is aimed at addressing curriculum issues and the needs of students affected by the pandemic," she told reporters.
This was in response to criticism that 2025 Budget did not equally prioritise education alongside development, after attending a distribution programme at Little India near Lebuh Pasar, in conjunction with the upcoming Deepavali celebrations.
She also highlighted the government's focus on raising the quality of education, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), to nurture students who not only pass but excel and remain competitive.
Nurul Izzah, the PKR vice-president, also mentioned that the government is prioritising the health sector. She noted efforts to increase spending not only on treatment but also on prevention, including raising the sugar tax to address public health issues.
The Education Ministry, the Health Ministry, and the Defence Ministry were the largest recipients of 2025 Budget, collectively receiving 31 per cent of the overall allocation.– BERNAMA