Kit Siang appeals govt to postpone Budget 2021 for Harapan proposals

 

DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang is appealing the government to postpone the presentation of Budget 2021 so that they can hear proposals from Pakatan Harapan.

Lim proposed that the supply bill be tabled on Nov 13 instead of Nov 6.

"(This is so) Budget 2021 could incorporate proposals by both the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government and the Harapan opposition to ensure that the 2021 budget could be adopted by Parliament," he said in a statement today.

The Harapan presidential council previously urged Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to immediately commence discussions with the opposition on Budget 2021, which is scheduled to be tabled on Nov 6.

The council said the budget should focus on the needs of frontliners, identify new strategies to develop the economy and assist those who have lost their jobs or income due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Although there has been no official response from the government, Harapan sources said several coalition leaders have held “unofficial discussions” with a non-government “representative” from PN on this matter.

Previously there was speculation that some Umno lawmakers could vote against Budget 2021 together with the opposition in a show of no confidence against Muhyiddin.

Critics claimed the government's attempt to secure an emergency proclamation was aimed at avoiding the supply bill from being voted down.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong had rejected the emergency proclamation but advised lawmakers to support the budget and let it pass unhindered, citing a need to fund the fight against Covid-19. - Mkini