KUALA LUMPUR – Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (Larut-PN) has cast doubt over the government’s ability to implement Budget 2023, alluding that certain policies may be too good to be true.
In particular, he took issue with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s (Tambun-PH) promises of narrowing the country’s fiscal deficit to 5% of the gross domestic product (GDP) this year and eradicating hardcore poverty by year-end.
Speaking at the Dewan Rakyat, Hamzah said the fact that Supply Bill 2023 is only expected to be passed next month makes it harder for these projections to be achieved, as the government would only have about nine months remaining.
Commenting on the fiscal deficit, the Perikatan Nasional secretary-general noted that former finance minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz had previously, when tabling the original Budget 2023 last October, forecast the figure to be at 5.5% for 2023.
“When the prime minister said the fiscal deficit will be at 5% this year, I am unsure if this can be achieved,” he said when debating the budget here today.
“We must remember, when the budget was tabled, we were at the end of February. It will only be passed in March. That is why budgets are typically tabled in October.
“I urge the finance minister to rethink this. Don’t just say (these figures) today, because tomorrow, the people will be asking.”
Hamzah said this fiscal deficit projection is also harder to achieve with the country only expected to record a GDP growth of around 4.5% this year, down from 8.7% the previous year.
On Anwar’s vow to put a full stop to hardcore poverty before the end of the year, Hamzah said while this is commendable, its achievability remains a big question, suggesting instead that a more achievable objective is simply to reduce poverty.
Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad (Kuala Selangor-PH) later pointed out to Hamzah that the target set out by the prime minister is achievable, particularly with the RM750 million allocation set aside to assist 130,000 households in the lowest income bracket.
“These handouts will effectively end hardcore poverty. What is so difficult for you to understand?”
In response, Hamzah said the government will only have about nine months after the passing of the budget to achieve this, and urged those in federal power not to offer false hope to the rakyat.
“This (issue of poverty eradication) started in the previous cabinet, and we agree. It’s just that we are not confident to say we can put an end to it, that’s all. If it’s a good thing, then it’s good, why are we even arguing?”
Separately, Hamzah bemoaned the current government’s decision to discontinue the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (SPV) – first introduced by then prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 2019 – in favour of a new blueprint under the Malaysia Madani framework to be announced soon.
The Larut MP said while it is understandable if Anwar wanted a rebrand, the ruling government should carry on with policies and programmes that benefit the public.
One example, he said, is developing new economic centres along strategic coastal areas which could help generate revenue.
“These are examples in the SPV. It’s okay if you want to change the name, no problem. What’s important is it is in everyone’s interest.” – The Vibes, February 27, 2023
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