PETALING JAYA: Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has slammed opposition MPs for failing to push for a bloc vote on the budget, saying they have “broken their promise to the rakyat”.
In a blog post, the Langkawi MP maintained that he and his three other Pejuang MPs will continue to oppose the budget.
“A government established through corruption and kickbacks for MPs could suddenly be supported by opposition MPs without an ounce of guilt because they have broken their promise to the people.
“This is what has happened in the Dewan Rakyat today,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said that all Pejuang MPs had stood up to reject the 2021 budget as the party previously promised.
“When we take a stand, we do not budge on the basis of our trust and responsibility as representatives of the people.
“We stand firm against any form of corruption and we hope that the people will also be aware and reject corruption. Only by rejecting corruption can the destruction of the country be avoided,” Mahathir added.
The federal budget was passed at the policy stage in the Dewan Rakyat today after the majority of MPs present supported it through a voice vote.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun announced the outcome of the voice vote on the Supply Bill (Budget) 2021 after Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz tabled it for second reading.
The passing of the budget indicates that Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin still has majority support in the Dewan Rakyat to continue leading the nation.
However, Amanah’s Mahfuz Omar, who was unhappy with the voice vote, stood up requesting for a bloc vote but the move was unsuccessful with only 12 other MPs standing up to support him, when the minimum requirement was 15 MPs.
The decision by the majority of opposition MPs to opt against an individual vote for the passing of the budget has raised questions, while party leaders and backbenchers seem to be keeping mum on the matter. - FMT
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