Budget 2021: King calls for political maturity

 

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong today again signalled that everyone should support Budget 2021 that will be tabled on Friday.

This followed a 70-minute meeting with Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz on Budget 2021 today, according to Comptroller of the Royal Household Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin.

"Al-Sultan Abdullah is of the opinion that the practice of political maturity by putting aside partisan or personal differences and interest is very important at this juncture for the safety and welfare of the rakyat and the wellbeing of the country, which is badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic," said Ahmad Fadil in a statement today.

According to Ahmad Fadil, the Agong believed that this spirit was in line with teachings of Islam and hoped that cooperation express by various quarters would continue for the good of the rakyat and the country.

The Agong had on Oct 28 "advised" MPs to back Budget 2021, three days after rejecting cabinet's request for a proclamation of emergency which could have been used to suspend Parliament.

So far, Putrajaya has shown some signs that it was willing to consider opinions of opposition MPs, while some opposition MPs have floated the idea of a "confidence and supply" agreement.

Pakatan Harapan's willingness to support Budget 2021 was predicated on whether Zafrul would accede to six demands.

However, it is uncertain at this point if the ruling coalition has reached a deal with any of the opposition parties. - Mkini