AS Budget 2026 is presented in Parliament today, Malaysians are watching closely—not for headline figures or grand fiscal forecasts, but for policies that reflect the struggles and aspirations of the people.
More than just a financial blueprint, this year’s budget marks the starting point of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) under the Malaysia MADANI and Ekonomi MADANI vision.
It is a critical moment that must marry economic growth with equitable prosperity, placing integrity, inclusivity, and sustainability at the heart of national development.
"People are not asking for handouts," wrote Sinar Harian. "They want a system that is fair, wages that match their labour, controlled prices, equal opportunities, and a future they can count on."
Despite occasional dips in petrol prices, Malaysians continue to face rising costs of basic goods and stagnant wages. “Even when fuel prices fall, prices at the market don’t. The wallet feels lighter before the month ends,” an observer says.
As policymakers tout indicators such as GDP growth, foreign direct investment and inflation control, many worry about the growing disconnect between national statistics and realities at the grassroots level.
“There’s no point boasting of a ceiling that rises ever higher when the floor on which the people stand remains fragile,” the observer said. “Development must ensure no citizen is left behind.”
The budget is also expected to build on previous reforms, particularly the subsidy rationalisation roadmap laid out in Budget 2025.
However, citizens are now asking how the financial savings will be redirected to benefit those most in need—especially vulnerable, marginalised, and often overlooked communities.
“This budget must not only look good on paper,” he warned. “Its success lies in execution.”
Public expectations are high. Civil servants await salary adjustments, small traders hope for less regulatory pressure, and retirees worry about healthcare costs outpacing pensions. Young Malaysians, too, want long-term opportunities—beyond temporary schemes that vanish with political cycles.
Budget 2026 must also reinforce the integrity of government finances. The passing of the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2023 and the Government Procurement Act signals commitment, but meaningful implementation will be the true test.
At its core, this budget must strengthen not only material wellbeing but also the intellectual and spiritual dimensions of progress.
Equally, it must empower education and upskill future talent through strong investment in schools, universities and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem—essential to realising national strategies such as the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), and the National Artificial Intelligence Action Plan 2026–2030.
“The people are not mere spectators—they are participants in nation-building. Budget 2026 must meet the standard of a true people’s budget: transparent, inclusive and courageous,” another commentator said.
Indeed, as Malaysia stands at a developmental crossroads, this budget must not simply promise prosperity—it must deliver it, in step with the real lives and dreams of its people. - October10, 2025
