Budget 2025 Emphasises On Inclusivity - Aaron Ago Dagang

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- The MADANI Budget 2025 tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday emphasises on inclusivity and takes into consideration the needs of the country’s multiracial, multireligious and multicultural society.

National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said in a statement today that inclusivity was vital in ensuring no one was neglected, and it would strengthen the country’s unity and harmony.

Under the Budget 2025, the allocation for the National Unity Ministry rose 11.88 per cent to RM711.34 million compared to the previous budget, and included RM587.35 for operating expenditure and RM123.99 million for development expenditure.

"With this allocation, the ministry will continue to strengthen national unity through the implementation of various initiatives and programmes that will sustain unity and promote harmony in the country’s multiracial society.

"The ministry will focus on three main areas in 2025 - strengthening the Progressive Rukun Tetangga Areas, the Rukun Negara Exploration and the MADANI Harmony Initiative.

"The ministry is confident and believes that the tabling of this budget is in line with the aspirations of the 12th Malaysia Plan KPN that targets a National Unity Index of 0.7 per cent for 2025,” Aaron said.

He added that the implementation of various programmes is important to create an integration foundation capable of boosting interaction between people of various races and religions.

Under the 2025 Budget, several initiatives for the National Unity Ministry were announced, including a Unity, National Integration and Harmoney programme with an allocation of RM50 million, RM20 million for Rukun Tetangga areas, RM15 million for the digitalisation of national heritage materials and RM10 million for the repairs and upgrade of unity premises.

-- BERNAMA