Three PKR lawmakers have lamented the opposition's move to abort a bloc vote and allow Budget 2021 to pass the policy stage.
The statement was signed by Johor Bahru MP Akmal Nasir, Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim and Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar.
"Yesterday’s directive by leaders of the opposition to pass the budget came as a disappointment to many.
"We ourselves were ready to vote down the budget when the last-minute instructions to stand down came, which we adhered to as per the conventions of party discipline.
"However, our supporters have made it emphatically clear that it is crucial to be dictated by our conscience in matters of national importance.
"We want to honour that trust placed in us and act accordingly," they said.
Yesterday, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim gave a last-minute order for the opposition not to proceed with a bloc vote - causing only 13 MPs to stand up in support of the gambit.
He later said he didn't want to appear in opposition of new incentives announced by Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
He vowed instead that the opposition would challenge the budget during the committee stage of the bill.
Anwar said his decision was met by "strong opinions" from DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu. Sources said Mohamad was furious at the move.
Meanwhile, Akmal, Hassan and Izzah are proposing the setting up of an Economic, Social, and Welfare Caucus to rectify yesterday's outcome and shortfalls.
"Having spent the night reflecting on the budget vote, we have decided to come together to champion clear-cut policy alternatives by diligently performing our role as opposition lawmakers," they said.
The trio said the current budget does not serve the needs of the rakyat, overpromises on revenue and undercuts vital services.
They also said it failed to address bigger issues such as "taking advantage of the global trade war and addressing the challenges of climate change".
They believe the government must come up with concrete and definitive policies on key issues, namely future-centred and future proof job creation; a green new deal and ensuring no one is left behind by broadening social safety nets.
Meanwhile, they also zoomed in on the government's decision to let workers dig into their Employee Provident Fund savings.
They noted that 43 percent of EPF contributors under the age of 55 had less than RM10,000 in their Account 1.
"Especially during a time when savings have not increased, the government is more than willing to let people borrow from their future (of having just) RM41/month for the next 20 years," the three MPs said.
They added that the government should instead prioritise providing relief funds so the people could protect their savings and future-proof their retirement.
Akmal, Hassan and Izzah also said there was a lack of focus on job creation at a time when many have lost employment due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"As MPs, we must, first and foremost, represent our constituents in the Dewan Rakyat.
"As members of the opposition in a parliamentary democracy, we also have the responsibility of providing sufficient checks and balances against the excesses of the government.
"We must also not forget the issues of social justice and anti-corruption that PKR stands for, and for which many of our supporters have dedicated themselves to," they said.
The three added that they will continue to champion these principles as opposition lawmakers and to manifest their service and loyalty to king and country. - Mkini
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