Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin has described Budget 2017 tabled in the Dewan Rakyat today as unrealistic and having failed to address the core issue of reduced national income.
"The people are given 'sweeteners' through certain offers, but in reality the government does not have the funds.
"Cash flow is also a burden and that was not described," said Muhyiddin in response to the first budget being tabled after his sacking as deputy prime minister and from Umno.
Based on his experience in the government, Muhyiddin said, it is common practice to announce a bigger allocation than what is actually channelled to a ministry.
"I believe this happens because it is clear that the government cannot afford a large portion of its burdens and expenditure," he told reporters after walking out together with other Pakatan Harapan MPs.
He added that things are also looking bleaker for the government, given a worsening outlook of the overall global economy.
"I am not happy because what is tabled does not reflect the country's real financial situation.
"It looks sweet but is actually bitter," he said.
Former Umno minister Shafie Apdal, who now heads the newly registered Parti Warisan Sabah also said that the budget is "nothing new."
"What we need is job opportunities.
"How do you create that? Is it by giving BR1M, or by creating new industries?" said Shafie, who remained in the House until the end of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's budget speech.
PAS vice-president Idris Ahmad said that the party has mixed responses to the budget.
Among others, he said, PAS welcomes more allocations for rural development but at the same time questions cuts on fundings for higher education.- Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.