Budget 2020: What do NGOs, businesses and analysts say?

Various NGOs and businesses have weighed into Budget 2020 following its tabling in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Some are happy at the measures introduced for women, employees and tourism while others say the budget does not go far enough to address their concerns.

Below is a compilation on the Budget 2020 conversation by the stakeholders and analysts.

Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) executive director, Sumitra Visvanathan:

We are excited to hear about the Women@Work incentives for women and companies, to encourage and enable women to return to work.

The allocation of RM30 million for childcare facilities, especially in schools and hospitals, is a significant and welcomed increase.

Access to childcare would enable more women to participate in the workforce, as currently, over 2,563,800 women in Malaysia were not working due to “housework or family responsibilities”.

There is also an increased tax exemption for childcare fees.

We are pleased that some positive amendments to the Employment Act have been announced – including increased paid maternity leave, improved sexual harassment protection, and prohibition of discrimination on the basis of gender, race, and religion.

It is encouraging that the government has announced RM80 million towards 67 Social Welfare Department institutions.

In addition to institutions, we hope the government plans to increase funding for frontline officers handling welfare cases and abuse cases.

Center to Combat Corruption & Cronyism (C4 Center) executive director, Cynthia Gabriel:

Generally, it is a positive looking Budget for anti-corruption and improving enforcement accountability.

However, we hope the funds can also be allocated for structural reforms in the MACC and related institutions like the attorney general's office so that they can be more effective and independent...