Four independent MPs from the yet to be registered Pejuang party led by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has called for amendments to the Supply Bill (Budget) 2021 tabled in Parliament last Friday.
Mahathir and three others formerly of Bersatu said it was unfortunate that the government appears to be insincere in addressing Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah's concern that the nation will face liquidity issues if the budget is not passed.
"Instead, what has been done by the government is to use the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's decree as a blank cheque to include several aspects in the budget geared towards political mileage and setting aside public interest," said Mahathir, Jerlun MP Mukhriz Mahathir, Kubang Pasu MP Amiruddin Hamzah and Sri Gading MP Shahruddin Salleh in a statement today.
"A large allocation to the Special Affairs Department (Jasa) propaganda unit is a clear symptom of putting political interests above public interest.
"Therefore, we view the budget tabled as not being in line with the spirit of the King's decree that places public interests above politics," the MPs said.
"We hope concerns raised by a segment of the public, economists, unionists, analysts, NGO leaders, academicians and others will be evaluated, corrected and, if needed, withdrawn.
"If this can be done, we are then ready to support Budget 2021," the four added.
In its current form, the group said they are in a dilemma when asked to state their stand, as support for the budget bill would be an endorsement of "populist policies" that disregard overall public interest.
On the other hand, declaring to reject the bill would be played up as Pejuang's attempt at playing politics and going against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's advice to all MPs.
Earlier today, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said in his speech to debate the budget that it shouldn't be assumed Budget 2021 will receive full support in Parliament if it isn't amended to take better care of the people.
Since rejecting Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's proposal to declare an emergency, the King had on several occasions advised MPs to set their political differences aside towards passing the budget in Parliament.
Voting down the budget is an alternative method to challenge the legitimacy of a sitting prime minister, aside from the no-confidence motions filed in the Dewan Rakyat. - Mkini
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