Despite lower revenues, Budget 2021 has shown that the government is committed to protecting lives and livelihoods. Nevertheless, more can be done and sufficiency of allocations remain to be seen.
A viable alternative is that the current method of general taxation is supplemented by a health insurance scheme paid for by a special or dedicated contribution.
By advocating empathy in state policymaking, the Sabah state government would be seen as a caring (prihatin) government who is always down to earth, meeting the needs of the rakyat.
The national budget might not be a ‘one-size-fits-all’ budget but there are some pressing issues of the youth that need serious consideration by the government.