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Kedah prepares for 2014 budget

Ahmad Pazil Md Isa

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/kedah-prepares-for-2014-budget-1.306413

REALISTIC: Mukhriz says next year's budget will take into consideration state's financial resources

ALOR STAR: THE Kedah government has started preparing the state budget for next year.

Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said the new budget for Kedah would be "different" from the ones tabled by the previous Pas-led state government, which had been described by many as a far-fetched financial plan.

Mukhriz said the state budget for next year would be more realistic, taking into consideration the state's financial resources.

"I cannot reveal the details but I would like to assure everyone that the new budget would be drafted based on our (financial) capabilities. The budget will be totally different than the previous state budget," he said here yesterday.

Asked if the budget would be tabled during the first state assembly sitting after the May 5 general election, which was expected to be held in August, Mukhriz said it was unlikely.

"We need time to prepare it. Maybe it would be tabled during the last quarter of the year."

Earlier, he attended the swearing-in ceremony of the 36 assemblymen at Wisma Darul Aman here.

Pendang Umno division chief Datuk Rozai Md Shafian, who was the Kedah speaker for the 2004-2008 term, was reappointed to his post.

Rozai's appointment was followed by the swearing-in of 35 assemblymen, including Deputy Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah.

Absent was Tan Sri Azizan Abdul Razak, who is Sungai Limau assemblyman.

During the ceremony, Rozai announced that Azizan, who was Mukhriz's predecessor, was on medical leave following surgery to amputate both legs due to infection last month.

Later, when asked about Azizan's absence, Mukhriz said it was not a problem.

"It is not an issue at all and we have been informed of Azizan's condition.

"The state Constitution only stated that a state assemblyman must swear in to his post before the Kedah speaker without describing a specific place.

"I think Azizan can be sworn in before the state speaker anywhere," he said, adding that the state speaker was expected to visit Azizan at Penang Hospital before the next state assembly sitting.

Mukhriz also hoped there would be a mature discussion during the sitting and that the state opposition would play its role and provide checks and balances.

"Maybe, there are things that the state government might have overlooked and I hope these would be raised by the opposition.

"I am open to constructive criticism as long as it is based on facts and figures."

Pendang Umno division chief Datuk Rozai Md Shafian beginning his duties as Kedah speaker after he was reappointed to his post at Wisma Darul Aman in Alor Star yesterday. Bernama