Another budget proposal going down the drain, or has the Finance Minister learned from past mistakes? I guess the general public listened to the three hour long Budget Speech with mixed feelings.
This budget has taken its toll on the general public by imposing a Rs. 5.00 Financial Transaction Levy on ATM transactions amounting to Rs. 10,000.00. Most of these withdrawals are of monthly salary remittance made by employers. And I feel it is a crime to rob the hard earned wages of the general public.
The prices of small cars are going to be increased. Whatever happened to the various promises made by the Government to the youth of this country?
However, there are a few commendable decisions the Government has taken such as, the increase of the minimum traffic fine to Rs. 25,000.00, which will lessen the large number of accidents that occurred in the recent past. But this fine should be limited to major traffic offenses, such as violation of speed limits and etc. Charging such a high amount for a minor traffic offense is totally unacceptable.
While the Government’s decision to provide tabs and allocating funds in order to rent computers is commendable, the state then goes on to announce the increase of the telecommunication levy on internet service. What is the use of providing tabs when there is no affordable internet facilities?
Also the budget proposal to streamline the tax system through the proposed establishment of the National Tax Council and Tax Ombudsman is highly commendable. It will ensure the consistency of tax policies in spite of regime changes in the long-run.
Another commendable decision the Government has taken is the tax increase on foreign tele dramas since they always had a bad influence to local tele dramas.
This budget can be viewed with mixed feelings, both positive and negative. However, we, the general public hope the Government will review the shortcomings of Budget 2017 and lead us to the light through the dark tunnel we Sri Lankans seem to be presently travelling.
Budget 2017 conveys a better picture than the previous year… A carrot has been offered to the Sri Lankan people in the form of a small basket of food items at slightly reduced prices. Certainly there must be some relief offered, particularly to the middle class and lower middle class income groups. What is more important is the practical implementation of the budget proposals, without falling by the way side.
I am happy to note that measures have been proposed for the advancement of the education system, with the use of information technology. In order to compete with the rest of the world, the skills and knowledge of our younger generation must be fine-tuned.
The Government has also focussed attention on developing the tourism industry, by introducing some relief measures, such as the removal of the minimum room rates, popularising surfing as a sport and etc.
Some hardships have also been caused, by a few revenue generation sources. The imposition of a higher charge on ATM withdrawals for instance, is not practical, as this has been introduced to discourage customers using ATM machines for cash withdrawals and to spend more time in bank queues. In this time and age when we are on a fast track, how many man hours will be wasted?
Certainly there has to be an effective tax regime, to bring in the much needed revenue, but it has to be managed effectively and in the most practical manner. The introduction of direct taxes are definitely a plus factor in the revenue collection process.
So in my view, Budget 2017 depicts a long-term plan for the development of the country. We hope that aspirations of the Sri Lankan people will be fulfilled.
Where the proposal to set up stores for cereal and plants for sugar cane to reduce its import costs are concerned, this can be extended on a broad spectrum. Profit-making state owned enterprises (SOEs) should be promoted. People would expect the coalition government – which talks about the longevity of economic and budget proposals – to walk the talk, without costing the nation. It is pathetic that there isn’t any focus to provide a reliable public transport service through the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) to avoid ill effects private sector transportation. SLTB was once a successful SOE.
Each year, the prices reductions in the basket of necessary goods – that are made available through Sathosa outlets – do not reach many of us. All Sri Lankan’s will wholeheartedly wish that the essential items are sold at these reduced prices at all retail outlets, groceries and vendors. The Consumer Affairs Authority can come to the fore, take the responsibility and provide a service to the nation.
Government authorities (some with excess staff) can deploy their employees for scrutiny at regular time intervals, as to whether the price controls are practiced. Once this becomes a standard, it is much easy to implement this in the future. When retailers and vendors know they can be subjected to punishment for any violation, they too will comply and provide the price reduction, benefitting the public.
Nevertheless, these are not without ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ in this island nation.
As usual, many budgetary allocations are mentioned quantitatively. Nevertheless, it would be meaningful if the Government can provide an indication as to the number of people who benefitted from the particular allocation of funds to control kidney disease. For example, there should be data on how many individuals, households or farmer communities, will be benefitted and in what way. Also, if these allocations are linked to output in terms of deliverables, the relevant authorities and ministers, as public representatives, should be deemed to be held accountable.
There seems to be some incongruence in the expectation to be an export-driven economy and the primary sources of export revenue. The Government, while aiming to be export-driven, intends to import tea for the purpose of value addition and re-export.
Tea has been a longstanding export earner that has topped the list of in terms of comparatively high net worth, when compared to apparel exports, where the imported raw materials are processed as finished goods and exported. A cap on the acreage of tea estates to be 5000 hectares is also imposed.
With the prevailing crisis of tea industry, which has had local and global effects, it does not seem to be a wise strategy to be implemented. Perhaps, the proposed value addition can be executed with the existing facilities available within the country. Then there would be large scale tea players working together with small producers. Ceylon Tea could do with a strong marketing plan in the export market.
With its striking rhetoric, the 2017 budget proposals seem to serve the best long-term interests of the nation. But, if we read it between the lines, we find it to be a mixed blessing, as the finance minister reiterates with conviction that poverty alleviation and inclusive growth are the overriding concerns. Besides that, considering the complicated power structure at the helm of the national government, I wonder whether it’s still a little too early to discuss the relative merits and demerits of the proposed budgetary measures. Only the President will tell. Even on that score, I am not too sure.
Interestingly, this is a historic budget in that Minster of Finance, much to our dismay, says, “The Ministry of Finance under my guidance initiated citizens engagement in the 2017 budgetary process – a novel approach and first in the history of budget formulation.” If the Minister is telling the truth, this is almost a budget proposed by people for the people.
We wonder why the Ministry of Education was so inefficient in distribution of funds allocated to it for the fiscal year 2016. It looks as if the Ministry of Education is pretty smug, especially about the state of the country’s primary and secondary education; and seems to be intent on saving a considerable portion of the education cost for the Government, at the expense of our children.
We are happy to see Rs. 90 billion allocated for the education sector for 2017. The authorities concerned should be directed to make sure that the Ministry of Education puts it to the best use during the coming year. We also root for the Finance Minister for the additional allocation of nearly Rs.17.5 billion to further develop the education sector.
On the proposed raise of the telecommunication levy, we must say that this move runs counter to the Government’s ambitious digitisation goals, which necessarily includes ‘improvement of digital literacy’. A careful study of the budget, I’m sure, will reveal many such contradictory measures. To be honest, I have only glanced through it. But, I have read and heard about it quite enough to conclude that it’s a mixed blessing.
Another unsuccessful budget, that shows the hidden intention of the Government to put pressure on the middle class man, has been presented. I’m of course not surprised to see these proposals as I knew what they are up to.
They have reduced a mere Rs. 5 or Rs. 10 per kg or litre of sprats, kerosene, green gram, potatoes and sugar to name a few, to win the hearts of women as they make the majority of voters. They have in turn taken back hugely by introducing and imposing taxes.
The Minister of Finance says that the whole country is going for digitisation and the introduction of tabs for teachers and students, and controversially says that the Government will increase telecommunication levies up to 25 percent. What’s the meaning of this? If the students can’t afford to pay for internet, will they be able to use the tabs? Will it not be another white elephant?
Regarding taxing on the activation of sim cards, the Minister makes another funny statement saying that it’s to discourage the use of temporary sim cards for fraudulent and criminal activities. If criminals want to do such things, can’t they spend Rs. 200? It reminds me of the statement made by a minister on the increasing of vehicle imported taxes soon after last year’s budget. Ministers can squeeze us and take whatever is possible by taxation, but they should not make such statements which affect their status.
ATMs are mainly used by lower or middle class people, who are dependent on their salaries. A charge of Rs. 5 per transaction is not acceptable. When we go through the entire budget, we can see very clearly that the Government has targeted the middle and lower class people.
Granting loans for students who are not qualified to enter into Government universities shows that the Government is slowly reaching the target of financing private institutes. This action further discourages students to study hard to achieve their goals, and this affects the standard of education of the country. In this scenario, can you expect an educated younger generation in the future?
We all know that the pay hike of ministers came in to effect, causing at least Rs. 30 billion additional costs per year to the country. Why can’t the Government reduce this and ease the more affected classed in the country?
In this budget proposal, the Government has taken some positive steps as well. Taxing foreign tele dramas is highly welcome as these have very badly affected the local industry and the culture of our country.
Another good step is the proposed increase of income taxes on liquor, tobacco, gambling and gaming which we have to appreciate, although it will not eliminate the use of same but will reduce it at least for a few months.
Making 13-year schooling mandatory confers about the validity of having a proper education system in place. Educational reforms have always been put forth with many confusions. Again, we seem to be making the same mistakes, by taking a toll on the exam-based education system where the majority would be deprived. Students are forced to gain a degree or follow a path that is totally different from their abilities and job opportunities.
Instead, there should be adequate procedures to follow up on those students who are prone to drop out of school, prone to be absent due to poverty and fall short of the required level of intelligence to pass exams. There should be ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ for them – so that they know their direction and purpose, without having to waste 13 years. Those who are unable to get through exams should be given the opportunity to identify their abilities with suitable skill development programmes and vocational training that are focussed on entrepreneurship and self-employment.
With the introduction of flexi work hours, we can hope that Sri Lanka too will join the contemporary working population in the world. This is a feasible proposal, provided it is implemented with consensus and trials between both parties, the employer and employee. Many skilled and unskilled workers will harness from the positive effects of flexi working such as convenience, higher productivity, less stress levels and the ability to be open to many job opportunities while managing their personal commitments.
On top of these, job security can be retained. There would be lesser traffic, lesser congestion on peak hours. If successful, flexi working, as the opposed to 9-5 work hours can even set new trends, with positive socio-economic impacts.
The budget proposals for the insurance scheme and savings account for school children, is susceptible to be interpreted as a future marketing move of the Government. The current schooling children will qualify as future voters. Therefore, being considerate of them is a foot in the doorstep tactic for all governments who will come in to power, to secure their vote base. Insurance and savings are useful tactics in this regard, as the majority of locals do not take such policies and savings accounts.
One has to evaluate the feasibility of these proposals on how they are reasoned out and on what rationale they have been proposed. The senior citizen population has been the future of the country and the wealth of the nation at one time. But they are almost forgotten in this context. Also, the ageing population is increasing in Sri Lanka as well, in line with global trends that far exceeds the country’s school children. As such, governments may foresee proposals to offer benefits for senior citizens as a daunting task, where there is a risk involved of requiring a higher budget allocation.
Senior citizens, to date, forms the highest vote base of our country.
Given such a proposal in their favour would be welcomed with an applause!
There is a proposal for banks, to enhance the deposit mobilisation by increasing savings. One of its main objectives are to bring down the cost of funds for banks. Expanding the locally sourced fund base at a lower cost of funds seem to be favourable for the economy, even though the proposed action plan for this by opening savings accounts for school children sounds like an act of short-termism.
In the first year, there would be a massive jump in the local savings deposit base in banks, since the proposal is to take off from zero level. Then in the following year, with the population of school increasing due to new enrolments, the enhancement of the local deposit base might not be as expected. Therefore, doubts prevails as to how such budget proposals can contribute to the long-term vision of an economy.
I am of the view that there are pros and cons in this budget. The benefits given by this budget includes reducing the price of the domestic cylinder of LP gas, reducing the prices of some essential items such as dhal, potatoes, sprats, white sugar, kerosene, locally produced milk powder and supplying of 5 kg of rice to Samurdhi recipients.
Disadvantages from this budget proposal includes the increase of several taxes which will have a negative impact on the business sector in Sri Lanka. It is revealed that the Government has proposed to increase the telecommunication tax on internet services. But I am surprised to see this because one of the promises given by this Government was to build Wi-Fi zones across the country. It will create a negative impact regarding the development of this country as well as the education of the children. In this modern world, people do most things using the internet. What we should have done is to improve the usage of internet services for the betterment of the society rather than increasing its tax percentage.
My personal opinion is that the country should not burden the public by way of increasing tax percentages too much, but make this country free from corruption and also stop the wastage of resources such as electricity and water. And the main thing is to make the public aware of the benefits they could obtain by making this country a corruption-free one.
There was a lot of talk before and during the budget speech but really, we end up either the same as before or worse off! They give a little, take a lot to run the Government and pay themselves more. Some of the measures like bringing PAYE back to middle income earners which comes on top of the VAT increase, meaning we pay more for what we need, are mindboggling. On top of that, in this digital age, the Government wants to tax telcos and internet service providers! As for the capital gains tax and others that will affect the rich, may we know how many ministers have declared their assets so that we can keep track of whether they pay their dues?
Another budget proposal going down the drain, or has the Finance Minister learned from past mistakes? I guess the general public listened to the three hour long Budget Speech with mixed feelings.
This budget has taken its toll on the general public by imposing a Rs. 5.00 Financial Transaction Levy on ATM transactions amounting to Rs. 10,000.00. Most of these withdrawals are of monthly salary remittance made by employers. And I feel it is a crime to rob the hard earned wages of the general public.
The prices of small cars are going to be increased. Whatever happened to the various promises made by the Government to the youth of this country?
However, there are a few commendable decisions the Government has taken such as, the increase of the minimum traffic fine to Rs. 25,000.00, which will lessen the large number of accidents that occurred in the recent past. But this fine should be limited to major traffic offenses, such as violation of speed limits and etc. Charging such a high amount for a minor traffic offense is totally unacceptable.
While the Government’s decision to provide tabs and allocating funds in order to rent computers is commendable, the state then goes on to announce the increase of the telecommunication levy on internet service. What is the use of providing tabs when there is no affordable internet facilities?
Also the budget proposal to streamline the tax system through the proposed establishment of the National Tax Council and Tax Ombudsman is highly commendable. It will ensure the consistency of tax policies in spite of regime changes in the long-run.
Another commendable decision the Government has taken is the tax increase on foreign tele dramas since they always had a bad influence to local tele dramas.
This budget can be viewed with mixed feelings, both positive and negative. However, we, the general public hope the Government will review the shortcomings of Budget 2017 and lead us to the light through the dark tunnel we Sri Lankans seem to be presently travelling.
Budget 2017 conveys a better picture than the previous year… A carrot has been offered to the Sri Lankan people in the form of a small basket of food items at slightly reduced prices. Certainly there must be some relief offered, particularly to the middle class and lower middle class income groups. What is more important is the practical implementation of the budget proposals, without falling by the way side.
I am happy to note that measures have been proposed for the advancement of the education system, with the use of information technology. In order to compete with the rest of the world, the skills and knowledge of our younger generation must be fine-tuned.
The Government has also focussed attention on developing the tourism industry, by introducing some relief measures, such as the removal of the minimum room rates, popularising surfing as a sport and etc.
Some hardships have also been caused, by a few revenue generation sources. The imposition of a higher charge on ATM withdrawals for instance, is not practical, as this has been introduced to discourage customers using ATM machines for cash withdrawals and to spend more time in bank queues. In this time and age when we are on a fast track, how many man hours will be wasted?
Certainly there has to be an effective tax regime, to bring in the much needed revenue, but it has to be managed effectively and in the most practical manner. The introduction of direct taxes are definitely a plus factor in the revenue collection process.
So in my view, Budget 2017 depicts a long-term plan for the development of the country. We hope that aspirations of the Sri Lankan people will be fulfilled.
Where the proposal to set up stores for cereal and plants for sugar cane to reduce its import costs are concerned, this can be extended on a broad spectrum. Profit-making state owned enterprises (SOEs) should be promoted. People would expect the coalition government – which talks about the longevity of economic and budget proposals – to walk the talk, without costing the nation. It is pathetic that there isn’t any focus to provide a reliable public transport service through the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) to avoid ill effects private sector transportation. SLTB was once a successful SOE.
Each year, the prices reductions in the basket of necessary goods – that are made available through Sathosa outlets – do not reach many of us. All Sri Lankan’s will wholeheartedly wish that the essential items are sold at these reduced prices at all retail outlets, groceries and vendors. The Consumer Affairs Authority can come to the fore, take the responsibility and provide a service to the nation.
Government authorities (some with excess staff) can deploy their employees for scrutiny at regular time intervals, as to whether the price controls are practiced. Once this becomes a standard, it is much easy to implement this in the future. When retailers and vendors know they can be subjected to punishment for any violation, they too will comply and provide the price reduction, benefitting the public.
Nevertheless, these are not without ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ in this island nation.
As usual, many budgetary allocations are mentioned quantitatively. Nevertheless, it would be meaningful if the Government can provide an indication as to the number of people who benefitted from the particular allocation of funds to control kidney disease. For example, there should be data on how many individuals, households or farmer communities, will be benefitted and in what way. Also, if these allocations are linked to output in terms of deliverables, the relevant authorities and ministers, as public representatives, should be deemed to be held accountable.
There seems to be some incongruence in the expectation to be an export-driven economy and the primary sources of export revenue. The Government, while aiming to be export-driven, intends to import tea for the purpose of value addition and re-export.
Tea has been a longstanding export earner that has topped the list of in terms of comparatively high net worth, when compared to apparel exports, where the imported raw materials are processed as finished goods and exported. A cap on the acreage of tea estates to be 5000 hectares is also imposed.
With the prevailing crisis of tea industry, which has had local and global effects, it does not seem to be a wise strategy to be implemented. Perhaps, the proposed value addition can be executed with the existing facilities available within the country. Then there would be large scale tea players working together with small producers. Ceylon Tea could do with a strong marketing plan in the export market.
With its striking rhetoric, the 2017 budget proposals seem to serve the best long-term interests of the nation. But, if we read it between the lines, we find it to be a mixed blessing, as the finance minister reiterates with conviction that poverty alleviation and inclusive growth are the overriding concerns. Besides that, considering the complicated power structure at the helm of the national government, I wonder whether it’s still a little too early to discuss the relative merits and demerits of the proposed budgetary measures. Only the President will tell. Even on that score, I am not too sure.
Interestingly, this is a historic budget in that Minster of Finance, much to our dismay, says, “The Ministry of Finance under my guidance initiated citizens engagement in the 2017 budgetary process – a novel approach and first in the history of budget formulation.” If the Minister is telling the truth, this is almost a budget proposed by people for the people.
We wonder why the Ministry of Education was so inefficient in distribution of funds allocated to it for the fiscal year 2016. It looks as if the Ministry of Education is pretty smug, especially about the state of the country’s primary and secondary education; and seems to be intent on saving a considerable portion of the education cost for the Government, at the expense of our children.
We are happy to see Rs. 90 billion allocated for the education sector for 2017. The authorities concerned should be directed to make sure that the Ministry of Education puts it to the best use during the coming year. We also root for the Finance Minister for the additional allocation of nearly Rs.17.5 billion to further develop the education sector.
On the proposed raise of the telecommunication levy, we must say that this move runs counter to the Government’s ambitious digitisation goals, which necessarily includes ‘improvement of digital literacy’. A careful study of the budget, I’m sure, will reveal many such contradictory measures. To be honest, I have only glanced through it. But, I have read and heard about it quite enough to conclude that it’s a mixed blessing.
Another unsuccessful budget, that shows the hidden intention of the Government to put pressure on the middle class man, has been presented. I’m of course not surprised to see these proposals as I knew what they are up to.
They have reduced a mere Rs. 5 or Rs. 10 per kg or litre of sprats, kerosene, green gram, potatoes and sugar to name a few, to win the hearts of women as they make the majority of voters. They have in turn taken back hugely by introducing and imposing taxes.
The Minister of Finance says that the whole country is going for digitisation and the introduction of tabs for teachers and students, and controversially says that the Government will increase telecommunication levies up to 25 percent. What’s the meaning of this? If the students can’t afford to pay for internet, will they be able to use the tabs? Will it not be another white elephant?
Regarding taxing on the activation of sim cards, the Minister makes another funny statement saying that it’s to discourage the use of temporary sim cards for fraudulent and criminal activities. If criminals want to do such things, can’t they spend Rs. 200? It reminds me of the statement made by a minister on the increasing of vehicle imported taxes soon after last year’s budget. Ministers can squeeze us and take whatever is possible by taxation, but they should not make such statements which affect their status.
ATMs are mainly used by lower or middle class people, who are dependent on their salaries. A charge of Rs. 5 per transaction is not acceptable. When we go through the entire budget, we can see very clearly that the Government has targeted the middle and lower class people.
Granting loans for students who are not qualified to enter into Government universities shows that the Government is slowly reaching the target of financing private institutes. This action further discourages students to study hard to achieve their goals, and this affects the standard of education of the country. In this scenario, can you expect an educated younger generation in the future?
We all know that the pay hike of ministers came in to effect, causing at least Rs. 30 billion additional costs per year to the country. Why can’t the Government reduce this and ease the more affected classed in the country?
In this budget proposal, the Government has taken some positive steps as well. Taxing foreign tele dramas is highly welcome as these have very badly affected the local industry and the culture of our country.
Another good step is the proposed increase of income taxes on liquor, tobacco, gambling and gaming which we have to appreciate, although it will not eliminate the use of same but will reduce it at least for a few months.
Making 13-year schooling mandatory confers about the validity of having a proper education system in place. Educational reforms have always been put forth with many confusions. Again, we seem to be making the same mistakes, by taking a toll on the exam-based education system where the majority would be deprived. Students are forced to gain a degree or follow a path that is totally different from their abilities and job opportunities.
Instead, there should be adequate procedures to follow up on those students who are prone to drop out of school, prone to be absent due to poverty and fall short of the required level of intelligence to pass exams. There should be ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ for them – so that they know their direction and purpose, without having to waste 13 years. Those who are unable to get through exams should be given the opportunity to identify their abilities with suitable skill development programmes and vocational training that are focussed on entrepreneurship and self-employment.
With the introduction of flexi work hours, we can hope that Sri Lanka too will join the contemporary working population in the world. This is a feasible proposal, provided it is implemented with consensus and trials between both parties, the employer and employee. Many skilled and unskilled workers will harness from the positive effects of flexi working such as convenience, higher productivity, less stress levels and the ability to be open to many job opportunities while managing their personal commitments.
On top of these, job security can be retained. There would be lesser traffic, lesser congestion on peak hours. If successful, flexi working, as the opposed to 9-5 work hours can even set new trends, with positive socio-economic impacts.
The budget proposals for the insurance scheme and savings account for school children, is susceptible to be interpreted as a future marketing move of the Government. The current schooling children will qualify as future voters. Therefore, being considerate of them is a foot in the doorstep tactic for all governments who will come in to power, to secure their vote base. Insurance and savings are useful tactics in this regard, as the majority of locals do not take such policies and savings accounts.
One has to evaluate the feasibility of these proposals on how they are reasoned out and on what rationale they have been proposed. The senior citizen population has been the future of the country and the wealth of the nation at one time. But they are almost forgotten in this context. Also, the ageing population is increasing in Sri Lanka as well, in line with global trends that far exceeds the country’s school children. As such, governments may foresee proposals to offer benefits for senior citizens as a daunting task, where there is a risk involved of requiring a higher budget allocation.
Senior citizens, to date, forms the highest vote base of our country.
Given such a proposal in their favour would be welcomed with an applause!
There is a proposal for banks, to enhance the deposit mobilisation by increasing savings. One of its main objectives are to bring down the cost of funds for banks. Expanding the locally sourced fund base at a lower cost of funds seem to be favourable for the economy, even though the proposed action plan for this by opening savings accounts for school children sounds like an act of short-termism.
In the first year, there would be a massive jump in the local savings deposit base in banks, since the proposal is to take off from zero level. Then in the following year, with the population of school increasing due to new enrolments, the enhancement of the local deposit base might not be as expected. Therefore, doubts prevails as to how such budget proposals can contribute to the long-term vision of an economy.
PROS AND CONS OF BUDGET 2017
I am of the view that there are pros and cons in this budget. The benefits given by this budget includes reducing the price of the domestic cylinder of LP gas, reducing the prices of some essential items such as dhal, potatoes, sprats, white sugar, kerosene, locally produced milk powder and supplying of 5 kg of rice to Samurdhi recipients.
Disadvantages from this budget proposal includes the increase of several taxes which will have a negative impact on the business sector in Sri Lanka. It is revealed that the Government has proposed to increase the telecommunication tax on internet services. But I am surprised to see this because one of the promises given by this Government was to build Wi-Fi zones across the country. It will create a negative impact regarding the development of this country as well as the education of the children. In this modern world, people do most things using the internet. What we should have done is to improve the usage of internet services for the betterment of the society rather than increasing its tax percentage.
My personal opinion is that the country should not burden the public by way of increasing tax percentages too much, but make this country free from corruption and also stop the wastage of resources such as electricity and water. And the main thing is to make the public aware of the benefits they could obtain by making this country a corruption-free one.
There was a lot of talk before and during the budget speech but really, we end up either the same as before or worse off! They give a little, take a lot to run the Government and pay themselves more. Some of the measures like bringing PAYE back to middle income earners which comes on top of the VAT increase, meaning we pay more for what we need, are mindboggling. On top of that, in this digital age, the Government wants to tax telcos and internet service providers! As for the capital gains tax and others that will affect the rich, may we know how many ministers have declared their assets so that we can keep track of whether they pay their dues?