SIMPANG RENGGAM: The Budget 2022 demonstrates the government’s commitment to the continuity of Prihatin Rakyat policy which channels direct assistance to the affected groups, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

       The National Recovery Council chairman also congratulated Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz for tabling the Budget 2022 worth RM332.1bil, which is the biggest budget in Malaysia’s history.

       Muhyiddin said he believed that the Budget would ensure all forms of assistance and support reach its intended recipients who were severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

       “This is crucial to ensure the success of 2022 as a year of recovery for Malaysia.

       “Focusing on three key strategies, namely strengthening recovery, building resilience and driving reform, I am confident that Budget 2022 will continue to strengthen the country’s recovery efforts under the ongoing National Recovery Plan,” he said in a statement here yesterday.

       The former prime minister added that the Budget would support the country’s recovery from the long-term effects of the pandemic on the public health system and economic structure.

       He said this was a reflection of the government’s determination to restore foreign investors’ confidence in Malaysia as a major investment destination.

       The Pagoh MP said the second largest allocation given to the Health Ministry was appropriate to drive the country’s recovery to the endemic phase.

       He expressed hope the emphasis on the health sector would strengthen the national health system, including in terms of hospital capacity, facilities and expertise.

       “The Education Ministry received the largest allocation worth RM52.6bil, which shows the government’s priority on human capital development, including the provision of facilities and access to learning, which is still a major problem for students in rural areas.

       “I hope the funds allocated, for example, to repair poor schools can be channelled to those really in need, which have never received government assistance,” he added.

       He called upon all Malaysians to unite in ensuring that the country’s recovery efforts.