[UPDATED] PM brings forward tabling of Budget 2023 to Oct 7

KUALA LUMPUR – The tabling of the 2023 national budget in Dewan Rakyat will be brought forward three weeks to October 7.

This was told to the cabinet by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob during its meeting today, reported The Star. 

The Dewan Rakyat sitting resumes on October 3 and the budget will be tabled by Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.

Just yesterday, Deputy Finance Minister I Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah said Budget 2023 will be tabled on October 28 as scheduled in Parliament’s calendar.

Earlier, it was reported that the finance minister would move up the tabling date to make way for the 15th general election.

However, Malaysiakini today reported that Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar denied the new date was linked to the mounting pressure to call for a snap election.

Ismail Sabri had hinted that the 2023 budget will put the people’s wellbeing at its core by taking into consideration the challenges next year that await.

He had said that among the budget’s main priorities is ensuring post-Covid-19 recovery, which will include the creation of jobs, increase in income, and survival of businesses.

“In facing the global uncertainty, Budget 2023 also focuses on the people by improving the social protection system and increasing the wellbeing of the people through quality healthcare service and education system.”

Ismail Sabri added that the government would also pay attention to a safe and comfortable living environment by emphasising inclusive and sustainable development.

“This aims to enable all members of Keluarga Malaysia to benefit from the country’s development now and in the future regardless of community and residential areas.” – The Vibes, August 26, 2022