Some 70 per cent of State Budget 2013's expenditure expected to be for development

Kuching: State Budget 2013, which will be tabled at the State Legislative Assembly today, is expected to be a development biased and surplus one.

Minister of Housing Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg hinted yesterday that about 70 per cent of the proposed budget's expenditure would go to the development sector for the benefit of the people.

Speaking to reporters after Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud chaired the state Barisan Nasional Pre-Council Meeting, he added that Supply (2013) Bill, 2012, might see "a little bit of increase" in numbers when compared to Budget 2012.

"For the year 2013, we will focus on development, and our budget may be a surplus budget," said Abang Johari, who is also Minister of Tourism, at PBB headquarters.

"There will be a little bit of increase, but details will be revealed during the sitting tomorrow (today). As a whole,
our budget will be one giving emphasis on development as usual."

He declined to divulge more details on the Budget which would be unveiled by Taib in his capacity as Minister of Finance.

"In principle, we will table a good budget."

The eight-day sitting, which ends on Nov 28, would also see the tabling of Civil List (Amendment) Ordinance Bill.

"Civil List is about allocating funds to offer better accommodation for the Head of State," said Abang Johari.

"Only two Bills will be tabled during this sitting. The rest will be of usual concern."