IPOH – Perak is hopeful the federal government will be able to channel an allocation of RM3 billion as expenditure specifically for its people-centric projects, ahead of the 2023 budget which will be presented on February 24.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the allocation was to fund the state’s commitments and the request had been presented to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“I led a state delegation in a meeting with him, and we presented a list that requires immediate solutions for the people such as additional beds at Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital, repairs to federal roads, and others.
“Tomorrow, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan will give a briefing to all state exco members and elected representatives, including from the opposition, so that what is presented can be included in the 2023 (federal) budget,” he said after launching student emergency and free food aid under the 2023 Tuition Cikgu Saarani Initiative today.
Also present were State Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Khairudin Abu Hanipah; State Women Development, Family, Social Welfare and Entrepreneur Development Committee chairman Salbiah Mohamed; and Perak State Secretary Datuk Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim
Saarani said the state government also hopes that the meeting with the Finance Ministry tomorrow will present an overall picture of why the state needs the additional allocation.
“We fully understand that it involves a very large amount, but if it is not possible to fulfil our requests, do not reject everything,” he said. – Bernama, February 8, 2023
