KUALA LUMPUR – Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today warned Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz that Budget 2021 may not receive Pakatan Harapan support if certain demands are not met.
During his debate speech, Anwar (PH-Port Dickson) reminded the House of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah’s decree of unity and cooperation among all lawmakers, including the opposition’s input in the pre-Budget discussion.
“Even though we are keen to pass the Budget – and we won’t compromise on emoluments for civil servants and frontliners’ allowance, and we want to pass this Budget quickly so that we won’t burden the public, frontliners or civil servants – don’t make an assumption that it will be so easy.
“The finance minister and the prime minister must know that the Budget, in its current unamended form, which will impact the public, will not be so easily passed. So, I call upon the finance minister to study all proposals to manage Covid-19-related problems.”
During the tabling of the Budget on Friday, he said, the six issues raised by the opposition were only lightly touched on by Tengku Zafrul.
The PKR president also slammed Dewan Negara Speaker Tan Sri Rais Yatim for questioning the Agong’s decree, saying it is inappropriate for the Bersatu man to utilise his position in such a manner.
Anwar added that any investigation into Rais should not look at his title and position, implying that many government leaders have been let off the hook or gotten just a slap on the wrist when they commit offences. – The Vibes, November 9, 2020
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