SHAH ALAM, Mar 11 – The state government hopes Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will invite all menteris besar and chief ministers to participate in the National Economic Action Committee in order to implement the developments listed in the national mini budget.

Dato’ Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said this had to be conducted efficiently and effectively as it involved a large number of funds.

“It would be most unfortunate for Malaysia’s reputation if there were leaks in the implementation of economic stimulation projects which would cost up to RM67 billion, (through) its first and second packages,” he said in a media conference during the break in the the State Levislative Assembly sitting.

Abdul Khalid said the involvement of all heads of state would enable them to give their own suggestions in an effort work together with the federal government in facing the economic recession.

He said, the people as taxpayers also needed t o know exactly how each ringgit they spent was distributed by federal government in this second economic stimulation package.

He said, the first package valued at RM7 billion was still not yet felt by the people.

Abdul Khalid added, Malaysia’s economy which depended on the impact of international demand, whereby 60 to 70 per cent of the country’s products were exported, meant it needed to widen aggregate demand.

“It is unfortunate that this fundamental issue was not explained by the Finance Minister in presenting the mini budget, instead all he did was touch on the supply and demand of job opportunities alone,” he said.

He said the mini budget needed to be reviewed and suggested the federal government include important elements such as provide incentives for companies to market their products at international level, give subsidy marketing programmes, tax rebates for tour agents to promote Malaysia to other countries as well as consultation rebates for those who manage to induce foreign companies into buying Malaysian products. – NOOR ALLIA KASSIM