KUALA LUMPUR – Pakatan Harapan (PH) today urged the government to come up with a unity budget that focuses on meeting financial needs of ordinary Malaysians while creating and preserving jobs.
In a statement, the opposition bloc said the Budget 2021 must also ensure the survivability of corporations.
“In essence, we urged the government to pursue an expansionary fiscal policy with the main objective of easing cash flow challenges of the people and corporations.”
This came after Pakatan Harapan concluded its first engagement with Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz to discuss the Budget.
PH said a unity budget is crucial in upholding the royal decree rejecting an emergency proclamation for the country and avoiding a snap general election that will only worsen the current wave of Covid-19 infections.
“On the good advice of the Yang-di Pertuan Agong, we wish to stress that this consultative process is done in the spirit of good faith. PH is committed in working with all parties to combat Covid-19 to save the rakyat and our economy.
“However, PH reiterates that this consultative process does not imply any PH support or acceptance of the present federal government but to work together towards a unity budget that benefits the nation, our national economy and the rakyat,” it said.
The statement is endorsed by Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Here are the six key recommendations for the unity budget:
1) Increase Health Ministry resources for Covid-19 and non-communicable diseases;
2) Expand social protection, safety net and welfare payments for the vulnerable and unemployed by increasing monthly welfare aid to RM1,000 as promised by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin until end of Covid-19 crisis;
3) Loan moratorium extension until March 31, 2021;
4) Wage subsidy to be continued until March 31, 2021 and create 600,000 jobs as per Malaysia@Work scheme, offering incentives over two years for employers and employees costing RM13 billion;
5) Increase in education spending to ensure education continuity; and
6) Development expenditure on two key projects – National Fiberisation Connectivity Plan and upgrading water infrastructure for Selangor, Kelantan and Pahang. – The Vibes, November 1, 2020
