Budget 08

So what good came out of Pak Lah yesterday during the eagerly awaited budget speech? One thing for sure he didn't fell asleep while standing up during his speech. Although I did not watch the telecast, but some bloggers mention that it was not an exciting one.

As I read through the budget, I was hoping for more tax relief for individuals to be given out, alas, it was not to be this year. Except for RM300 exception for individuals who buy sports stuff in bid to promote healthier living. I hope they count bicycle as part of tax relief bracket 'coz i've been dreaming to buy one since last year.

All in all, this years budget would only be beneficial directly to me in say about 4 years from now when Muhammad Nuaim is ripe for his first school year. Than, I wouldn't have to bother paying the school fees nor get involved in a parents brawl at the bookshop to get the last copy of the text book.

I remembered those years when my dad was earning more than the limit for low income parents which means his lazy son was not entitled to get the loan text book scheme. Than, he had to drive me to several book stores just to get the text book for the year. Somehow, all the parents thought that last minute shopping was a fine annual parents gathering event which crowded most book stores than. Ended up, my dad not only had to pay for text books, but also some expensive comic books like Tin Tin or Asterix. Well, next year, no more bookstores rush.. pity them bookstore.

Another good thing out of this RM30Billion allocated for education, is the increment of special allowances for the teachers from RM100 to RM250 looks good to me. Hopefully with this increase, more and more teachers would stop competing giving tuition and concentrate on school hours. Probably could save some bucks there from sending my sons to tuition. But hang on, thats like 8 years from now, and maybe than RM250 won't buy u a pack of cigarette. Well, leave the future for another day.

On the student COLA that has been increased, too bad that OZ is not included. My brother is planning to further his studies there this November, and looks like he has to work at the laundry to support his extra meals..huhu.

On the much talk about housing incentives, I didn't see that coming. Too bad I just completed the documentation to sell off my house in Bangi last month. If not I probably would save some RM there by holding the sales out till next year.

Anyways, it is still good news that it is now allowed to withdraw the Account 2 KWSP to reduce housing loans. But, I am not sure if they would still allow to withdraw for houses that are currently under sales transaction. Technically, I am still paying my loan till the title transfer documentation is completed, which would take like a year from now... Must find out about that..