I have just unveiled the National Budget for 2010 in Parliament, which serves as the foundation for the development of a new economic model and a precursor to the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP). The budget focuses mainly in driving the nation towards a high-income economy, ensuring holistic and sustainable development, and focusing on the well-being of the rakyat. While a multitude of factors were taken into account to make this budget as beneficial as possible to Malaysia and Malaysians, it is our collective roles in ensuring successful implementation that will help produce sustainable economic growth.

For those of you who have contributed ideas and suggestions, through my blog, twitter, or other means, once again, I thank you for them. I will be away for the ASEAN summit in a few hours time, but will check back frequently to read your comments. In the meantime, you can read the budget speech here.

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This coming weekend, the Indian community in Malaysia all over the country will be celebrating the sacred holiday of Hari Deepavali, the ancient Festival of Lights symbolising the victory of good over evil.

As Malaysians continue to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Deepavali is a golden opportunity for ties between ethnic groups to be strengthened in true 1Malaysia spirit.  As is customary, members of the Indian community will be graciously welcoming their fellow Malaysians to open houses, permitting all to interact with one another and enjoy Indian delicacies such as jalebi and murukku in mutual respect, harmony and unity.  On Saturday, I will be attending such an open house, to be held at the Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur.  It is an event I am very much looking forward to, after receiving warm receptions from Malaysian Indians this year.

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I was so excited this morning when I checked the responses to my request for Malaysia budget suggestions to find more than 400 comments and emails.  After a productive trip to France, it was heart-warming to see the zeal of the Malaysian people as they employ their civic duty and patriotism to provide input on the national budget. I have already read through some of the suggestions to determine which can be considered to be inserted into the budget or into our policies.

To all of you who have sent me ideas, thank you again.  I will soon be discussing these with the Ministry of Finance, and will report back through the 1Malaysia blog how we were able to incorporate your suggestions.

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