By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Nov 4: The introduction of more economic stimulus packages and tax rebates targeted at various groups and economic sectors are two crucial measures that the federal government must implement to revive the national economy which has been battered by the Covid-19 pandemic, opines senior lawyer Shankar Ram Asnani.
Specifically, he said, tax rebates and stimulus packages must focus on education and specific industries to revive the flagging economy.
“To me, Budget 2021 should be focused on how to stay afloat amid this Covid-19 pandemic and one way to go about it is to introduce more stimulus packages and tax rebates that focus primarily on education and on certain industries,” Shankar told DayakDaily today.
He expressed optimism that such initiatives would help to cushion the impact of the devastating and deadly pandemic and allow the economy to revive in the long run.
“While there must be a short-term approach to revive the economy such as economic stimulus packages, medium and long-term approaches must also be looked into — in this case, education,” he said, emphasising that money spent on education is a worthwhile investment for future generations.
He also stressed that the economic impetus will complement earlier measures announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin since March this year.
The Federal Budget 2021 is expected to be tabled by Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz on Friday, Nov 6.
As for the State Budget 2021, Shankar hoped that the state government will continue its encompassing policy which benefits all races and religions.
“I hoped that the State Budget 2021 will be friendly to all races in Sarawak such as the Ibans, the Malays, the Chinese, the Bidayuhs, the Melanaus, the Orang Ulu, the Indians and other races,” he said.
The State Budget 2021 is expected to be tabled by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is also the Finance Minister, during this coming DUN sitting which is scheduled to convene from Nov 9-18. — DayakDaily
