The Marginalised People's Network (Jerit) has appealed for a review of Budget 2006, saying it does not sufficiently alleviate the burdens of the lower and middle income groups.

Co-ordinator D Letchumi submitted a six-page memorandum to Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang and Backbenchers Club head Shahrir Abdul Samad at the Parliament building today, so that they can raise the matter in the House.

One criticism is that the budget focuses too much on 1 million civil servants and a small number of business people and foreign investors, and not enough on the rest of the 25 million population.

Jerit said funds should be created for retrenched blue-collar workers to serve as a safety net for them and their families, and to prevent a "drastic drop in national aggregate demand". A special housing fund is also sought for this group.
The document is endorsed by 26 non-governmental organisations.