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I rise to take part in this debate with anxiety because of the uncertainty (ill-wind) in this country and the world and the Government would do pretty much what it intends after ostentatious 'listening'.

Pohon kelapa ditiup angin,
Menggigil dari daun ke lidi;
Menteri berkepala dingin,
Seperti air di daun keladi.

Robert Frost, 1874 - 1963, a famous American poet, writes the poem, The Road Not Taken:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And look down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence;
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

On 20 September, 2002, the Prime Minister and Finance Minister Dato' Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad took 2 ¾ hours to present the 66-page budget (in Bahasa Malaysia 79 pages). (The MP for Parit Sulung YB Ruhani filibustered for nearly 4 hours on 24 September, 2002). This is the longest time for budget presentation in the House in modern days. Dr Mahathir had a cold that would disappear speedily. But the economic cold will take a long time to treat. The 66-page prescription contains some fiscal policies and measures that are correct and some are not so good. The better ones are like education allocation of RM26.194 billion and the efforts to improve the ICT. The less acceptable ones include the lack of efforts to identify the factors inhibiting local and foreign investors, albeit there are incentives. As we know, the staff members at the Finance Ministry worked their gut out to prepare the budget.

BALANCE

During the 1997 economic crisis, the National Economic Action Council suggested that technical and scientific terms were taught in English including Mathematics and Science. Now, the Finance Minister has changed the word "Belanjawan", estimate of expenditure, to "Bajet" (Budget), a plan of revenue and expenditure for a period. He says that a prudent budget takes into account the forecast of revenue inflows that will determine the level of expenditure, endeavouring to maintain a surplus or a balanced budget or incur only a small deficit.

We have to get more revenue. More revenue comes from more economic growth. Anyway, the forecast of 4% growth at the end of 2002 may be achievable, perhaps 3.7 or 3.8%. The forecast of 6 to 6.5% for 2003 is optimistic. Maybe 5 or 5.3%. We hope that we can get 6%.

All dictionaries show "belanjawan" to mean budget. Some are familiar with "belanjawan" and some with "budget". The Opposition Leader YAB Datuk Seri Hadi Awang prefers "belanjawan". (A living) language is dynamic. If the public accept "budget", Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka and Datuk Seri Hadi Awang will also use "budget". We have words such as saya, aku, awak, kamu and engkau. But, we (many) also say gua, lu, I and you. Before, we said tetuang udara and rumah sakit. Now, we say radio and hospital.

The 2003 budget is RM109.8 billion and the revenue is estimated as RM89.793 billion (7.5% increase), a deficit of RM20 billion (some estimate as RM14.9 billion), 3.9% GDP, compared to 4.7% GDP for 2002. This is deficit for the sixth year. Dr Mahahtir has stressed the hope of a surplus or balanced budget against an expansionary fiscal policy. Tan Sri Samsudin Hitam, the Secretary-General, Finance Ministry, hopes to achieve a balanced budget by 2005.

As the world economy is uncertain, the country may not have 6% growth. Then, the revenue will not be RM89.793 billion. Therefore, besides the fiscal measures, we propose that the Government create a conducive atmosphere for local and foreign investors.

PRE-EMPTIVE

After September 11, world politics and economy become uncertain. On 21 September, 2002, American President George Bush published a 33-page document, The National Security Strategy of the United States.

It declares the policies of containment and deterrence - staples since the 1940s - all but dead. There is no way in this changed world to deter those who "hate the United States and everything for which it stands."

President Bush shows his determination to enforce America's global domination, insisting it will allow no other power to challenge its military and economic supremacy.

The President has no intention of allowing any foreign power to catch up with the huge lead the United States has opened since the fall of the Soviet Union more than a decade ago.

The document depicts Mr Bush's first comprehensive rationale for shifting military strategy towards pre-emptive action against hostile states and terrorists developing weapons of mass destruction.

The US will exploit its military and economic power to encourage "free and open societies" rather than seek "unilateral advantage". The document calls this "a distinctively American internationalism".

This is Pax Americana. I do not know how long will this American domination be. Pax Romana, the conquest of the Roman Empire, lasted nearly 500 years. Pax Britanica, the British colonialism, spanned over 200 years, culminating in its height in the early 20th century.

I notice the Deputy Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi went to the United Nations in New York to urge the US to follow the multilateral resolution of the UN against Iraq. Although he met the American Vice-President Dick Cheney and National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice, the US is still not happy with the safety from terrorism in Malaysia. On the anniversary of 911, it closed its embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

(As Lim Kit Siang has pointed out, Malaysia has been in the list of the 26 Islamic countries after 911. By October 1, 2002, it is going to be among the list of 15 countries with terrorist risk.)

Dr Mahathir states that today there are Muslims who have become fanatical to the extent of resorting to violence, including bombing and others, as well as plotting to overthrow the Government. Hence, I propose that the Government present a full report on terrorism in Malaysia. This type of report such as on the Memali incident was presented to Parliament before.

LAWS

The Finance Minister insists that we have spared the nation from this turmoil with the rule of law practised by the Government. The Internal Security Act (ISA) has indeed saved the nation. Today, the liberal West, has conceded that preventive laws are necessary in safeguarding internal security.

The rule of law is the most important. We must always prevent destructive elements or traitors from destroying the country. Nevertheless, we should review all restrictive laws like ISA. ISA was promulgated to oppose the Communists who laid down their arms in December, 1989.

On 21 September, 2002, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Dato' Seri Dr Rais Yatim maintained that the Government should review thoroughly ISA before deciding on whether to accept the view of Suhakam on amendments to the law.

Laws should not punish those who are innocent.

ISLAMIC STATE

Because of Pas pressure, the Government is busy trying to make the public understand that Malaysia is a Negara Islam. Negara Islam can mean Islamic State or Islamic country or nation. An Islamic State is a state based on the Koran and the Sunnah. An Islamic country or nation denotes a state that has Muslims as majority.

On 16 and 17 September, 2002, the Selangor State Government, Malaysian Institute for the Understanding of Islam (IKIM) and Institute of Mind Development (INMIND) jointly sponsored a seminar on Understanding Malaysia as a Negara Islam. Once again, Malaysia was said as a model negara Islam recognized by the world, no need for further evidence or constitutional amendments. Non-Muslims did not protest against this statement, only politicians.

According to the Federal Constitution, Malaysia is not an Islamic State. (If by negara Islam is meant Islamic State), not only politicians, but also the public hold the same view. The Government must consider the conducive atmosphere for all. Rescind the declaration that Malaysia is an Islamic State.

EDUCATION

Some people including the Education Minister Tan Sri Musa Mohamad maintain that we can use the time for debating the budget to the full to talk about issues on education. They lack the basis. From the budget of RM109.8 billion, the allocation for education is RM26.194 billion, about 24%. We use a quarter of the time to discuss education, 75% to talk about other matters. We also have to pay attention to other sectors.

Thus, I propound that the Government present the Education Development Blueprint, 2001 - 2010, for debate in this House, including a session of at least three hours to deliberate on teaching Math and Science in English.

Starting from 1970, the Government gradually destroyed English schools. In 1974, Dr Mahathir was the Education Minister. He had not yet seen the consequences. By early 1980s, he wanted to revive English language without effects. (The ruling elites continue to ensure that their children are proficient in English.) Now, before he goes, he would like to make sure that English is used as a second language. He allocates RM5 billion for seven years to implement English Maths and Science.

What is obvious is that all members in this House agree with the proficiency of English. This is the common denominator. The difference is that one group believes that providing good English teachers and sound syllabus is a good way. The Government is desperate to force the teaching of Maths and Science from primary one, so that students will master English and knowledge including the terms in Maths and Science.

Mahts is a language. So is Science. (If the Education Ministry has its way) in national schools 7-year-olds are forced to learn Bahasa Malaysia, English, Maths language, Science language and Jawi writing, four and a half languages. In Chinese and Tamil schools, pupils learn Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin or Tamil, English, Maths language and Science language, five languages. Then, Chinese and Indian educationists (as well as Malay educationists worrying about BM) are worried that in due course mother-tongue will be reduced to one subject only.
Tan Sri Musa assures that the use of English will not at all change the status of national-type schools as guaranteed in the Education Act, 1996. He confirms that the Special Committee has considered all these views.

The Government is reckless in introducing English Maths and Science. It is reasonable for the House to have a special session to debate the issue.

Mata belek burung uak-uak,
Telan ikan sampai dada;
Maka kecek berluak-luak,
Makan dengan sambal lada.

Meanwhile, the Education Development Blueprint to create excellence in education was approved by the Cabinet in June 2001. It contains eight chapters, 41 lists and sketches, contributed by a Steering Committee, a Main Committee and 27 divisions. It does not include English Maths and Science.

Tan Sri Musa prefaces thus: Education Development (Blueprint) will pay attention to pre-school and primary education, secondary education, tertiary education, supporting programme, education expenses, management and ICT in education. The Education Ministry's main focus will be on all the aspects stated above, because a big part of the issue and challenge that is and will be faced in the next 10 years' planning will be connected with the national objective to create citizens who are good at various fields, especially science and technology.

Dato' Seri Dr Mahathir welcomes the blueprint, saying:
"Finally, I pray that the noble objective of the Education Ministry will be achieved so as to nurture individuals who are very experienced, skilled and capable as a global player based on science and technology especially in ICT. Besides, we must have firm basis in religion and culture. Human energy resource that possesses these attributes will make the nation successful in whatever fields.

The education expenses averaged about RM12.4 billion a year from 1996 to 2000. In 2002 and 2003, the allocation is RM20.782 billion and RM26.165 billion respectively. If we take an average of RM22 billion a year, then 10 years will be at least RM220 billion.

Every five-year Malaysia Plan, supply bill (annual budget), supplementary supply bill, or outline perspective plan are presented and debated in Parliament. But, Education Development Blueprint with expenditure of at least RM220 billion has not been presented and debated in the House. This is a serious swipe on Parliament.

The Education Development Blueprint was appoved by the Cabinet in June, 2001. The minister told the House that there was such a document in October, 2001. Then, we (DAP Chairman Lim Kit Siang) used various methods to obtain the document. We managed to see the document only by the middle of this year (a year after the Cabinet approval).

The minister should explain to the people the way he has handled this document. Will it be improved or set aside? (Is it a document for internal circulation only?)

FEUDAL

I have often raised the (conundrum) of a small group of people in the civil service, statutory bodies, police, armed forces and public institutions of higher learning, IHLs, with feudal mentality, mediocrity and bloodymindedness. They are departmental or institutional mafias. The group(s) does not include civil servants who are clean, efficient and trustworthy.

In the last decades, specially after 1970, this group has been skillful in defending the vested interest and the feudal culture of mediocrity and bloodymindedness. Outwardly, they are fair and open, but covertly, whether through smooth or rough methods, they perpetuate their guiles and machinations. Their victims have always tried their utmost. Being hardened, they are more able to face the challenges of increasing globalisation.

The Finance Minister talks about an efficient, fast and client-friendly delivery system of the civil service to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of national development policies and strategies. In this regard, the civil service must reduce bureaucracy and review all regulations and procedures to expedite dealings with the public. This will facilitate business in their dealings with the Government and reduce the cost of doing business, thereby enhancing the nation's competitiveness. In this regard, all civil servants will be reorientated and inculcated with excellent work culture which emphasizes efficiency, discipline, trustworthiness and commitment as well as a pro-business attitude in implementing Government policies.

We hope that Dr Mahathir can lay down a sound foundation and inculcate an everlasting spirit of excellent work culture. We need a mechanism for long-term monitoring.

PRIVATE SECTOR

The Government must identify the real reasons that impede local and foreign investment. Besides the fiscal incentives, it should consider the effects of declaring Malaysia an Islamic State, corruption and the mentality of the public and the private sectors.

On 20 September, 2002, Dr Mahathir said that total public investment increased from nearly RM32 billion in 1997 to RM49 billion in 2001. In contrast, private investment declined sharply from RM90 billion to RM34.5 billion. Why?

There are many more topics to be discussed including the need for continued encouragement of foreign direct investment, indirect taxes such as the value-added tax (VAT), foreign workers and land for planting food crops.

The 2003 budget is still expansionary: revenue is estimated to increase by 7.5% and operating expenditure also by 7.5%. Small and medium industries, SMIs, will enjoy tax rate of 20% while the corporate tax remains at 28%. (The Inland Revenue Board) will collect about RM270 milion less taxes from SMIs. Higher salary payment, more rentals for the completed buildings in Putrajaya, new hospital and school projects give rise to 4.3% increase in the total government expenditure, compared to the estimate of 2.4% in 2002.

We do not know whether the incentives for SMIs will be effective. We know that 80% of the factories are SMIs, but they contribute to only 20% of the output. Let us hope that in future, SMIs will be able to give greater contributions, maybe 40 or 50% of the output. Meanwhile, we have to study why SMIs in Taiwan, South Korea and Japan are more successful.

The development expenditure for 2002 increases by 26%, that is, totaling RM33.6 billion. But, only RM11.7 billion or 34.8% have been used in the first half of this year. Sending illegal workers back to their countries (without adequate planning) in July and August affected the projects. Some projects will be carried forward to 2003.

The Government must improve the effectiveness of implementation of the projects. (This is not easy. We need a suitable mechanism and more efficient staff members.)

ILLEGALS

Because of various factors, the situation of illegal workers has become worse. The Government should have taken effective action much earlier. Anyway, the measures to detain, fine, cane and repatriate illegals have created positive and negative effects.

According to the Home Ministry, there are 788,093 legal immigrant workers. We don't know the actual number of illegals, perhaps one to two millions. Every year, both legals and illegals repatriated at least RM9.1 billion to their countries.

One way of reducing the bad effects of sudden detention and repatriation of illegals is to identify those who are gainfully employed and give permits for six months or more according to the situation. This is complicated. The Government must work out mechanisms to reduce the impact of unplanned detention and repatriation of illegals.

DEBTS

Public debt is estimated to reach RM167.8 billion at the end of 2003 or 47.2% GDP, compared to RM145.7 billion or 43.6 billion for 2002. This debt is forecasted to go up to RM181.86 billion or 47.3% GDP. In the 1980s, public debt rocketed to 102% GDP. Debt should be reduced to a more comfortable level.

Dr Mahathir has said that the Government borrows more from local sources. The Employees' Provident Fund, EPF, is the main source. It has 10.24 million members and resources totaling RM199.714 billion (nearly RM200 billion). This is the biggest statutory savings fund in the country. It must not be misused. We have to protect the savings of members for their old age.

There are more topics to be debated. But, I see many members who want to take part in the debate. I am going to end here. Whether we are in the Opposition or in the Government, we have to improve our economy. However, the Government formulates policies and enforces measures. Therefore, it has a much greater responsibility.

MONEY POLITICS

Although the Prime Minister has spoken out loudly against money politics and business politics, these persist. Money politics has taken root, especially in the ruling parties. It affects our economy, administration and the society. We must eradicate it.

Terbang burung raja udang,
Hinggap di tingkap penangguh;
Datang sorong pada orang,
Patah sayap bertongkat paruh.

.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw