THE recently tabled Madani Budget is not a political pledge but a comprehensive economic policy aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s fiscal structure and ensuring fair distribution of national wealth, said Community Communications Department (J-KOM) director-general Datuk Ismail Yusop.
He said public perceptions that every federal budget is merely a set of political promises must be corrected, as such views reflect a misunderstanding of the true function of government fiscal policy.
“The budget is not the personal decision of any leader but the product of detailed assessments by technocrats and economists who evaluate the country’s financial capacity, development priorities and the people’s welfare,” he said in an exclusive interview with Sinar Harian.
“Sometimes, the public sees the budget as a political promise rather than an economic policy. In truth, every ringgit spent comes from national revenue and must be managed responsibly — not according to political interests,” Ismail added.
He said the central principle of the Madani Budget is to ensure that economic growth aligns with equitable and inclusive wealth distribution, in line with the government’s vision of building a prosperous and resilient nation.
“The government cannot treat the budget as a tool for short-term political gain. Instead, it must serve as an instrument to secure long-term stability and improve administrative efficiency,” he stressed.
The fourth Madani Budget, for 2026, allocates RM470 billion — comprising RM338.2 billion for federal operating expenditure, RM81 billion for development expenditure, and RM30 billion for investments by government-linked companies. The allocations are intended to drive economic growth and ensure that prosperity reaches all segments of society.
Ismail said J-KOM is working to communicate the budget’s objectives more effectively, clarifying that it is not “just figures or promises” but a carefully planned economic roadmap.
“The public must see how each initiative under the budget — from income growth and job creation to social protection — has a direct impact on daily life,” he said. “When people understand the budget’s context and direction, they will not be easily swayed by claims that it is merely political theatre.”
He added that subsidy restructuring, cash assistance, and the progressive wage policy are all part of a comprehensive plan to maintain Malaysia’s long-term economic sustainability. - November 3, 2025
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