KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 28): Budget 2013 is rakyat-focused without compromising on the need to lower the national debt and fiscal deficit over the medium term, according to CIMB Goup Chief Executive Daruk Seri Nazir Razak.

In a statement Friday, Nazir said the government had done well to exceed revenue expectations in 2012 to arrive at a lower than expected deficit, despite higher expenditures.

“I also welcome the measures to catalyse retail participation in the bond markets as that adds to the range of safer saving products for the public.

“We look forward to engaging with the Securities Commission as it finalises the AgroSukuk framework, which in principal is a good idea,” he said.