Dr M: Budget goodies to make people forget about 1MDB scandal

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad claimed the many goodies announced by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak in Budget 2018 was aimed at making people forget about the 1MDB scandal.

"This is indeed his intention so that people will focus on the sweets given and forget about the 1MDB scandal.

"But this hope will not become a reality as the people cannot forget the 1MDB scandal and other scandals associated with Najib," Mahathir said in a video message uploaded by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu). 

Mahathir, who is also Pakatan Harapan and Bersatu chairperson, said it was customary to use the budget to influence the people ahead of a general election.

However, Mahathir described Budget 2018 as unprecedented.

"The presented budget is unusual, in that it excessively provides allocations which the country may not have the money to pay for," he said.

Mahathir expressed scepticism that Putrajaya will be able to deliver on the promises.

He claimed that the government wouldn't be able to afford them after the general election.

Last Friday, Najib tabled a budget of RM282.25 billion, the largest in the country's history and the first expansionary budget after two consecutive years of contraction.

- Mkini