Zahid: Of course PN plans to court opposition MPs for budget vote

 

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has hinted that the Perikatan Nasional government has sought the support of opposition MPs for Budget 2021.

Speaking to Malaysia Gazette in an interview published last night, the government backbencher pointed out how PN presently had just 111 lawmakers in the 220-member Dewan Rakyat.

This is after the passing of Gerik MP Hasbullah Osman, the defection of Sri Gading MP Sharuddin Mohd Salleh and Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah’s deliberate absence.

“This means they have less than the 112 needed to form government.

“In such a situation, of course, the ruling government will have certain methods to get support from MPs who are outside the government.

“Of course there are several things that they have planned,” Zahid said without elaborating.

Earlier this morning, PKR Subang MP Wong Chen similarly speculated that some opposition MPs will vote for the controversial budget “in return for MP resources and allocations”.

Opposition MPs receive far fewer allocations than their government counterparts.

All eyes are on the august House today as PN attempts to have its first-ever budget passed. This afternoon will see a policy-stage vote.

If the budget fails to pass, it will be seen as a no-confidence vote against the premier and he will be constitutionally required to tender his resignation.

Alternatively, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong can dissolve Parliament to pave way for a snap election.

Umno, which has the most number of MPs in PN, has voiced conditional support for the supply bill, requesting an expanded EPF withdrawal scheme and automatic loan moratoriums with both the B40 and M40 groups being included.

During the interview, Zahid reiterated these demands but appeared confident that they would be fulfilled in time for the vote.

“It is not impossible that the Finance Minister (Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz) will release a ministerial statement before Thursday to modify his budget speech. I am very sure this can be done by the minister,” he said.

Zahid and several other Umno leaders met with Zafrul last night.

The latter will be presenting his winding-up speech in the Dewan Rakyat this afternoon ahead of the vote.  - Mkini