MB confident Johor budget will sail through despite PN’s slim majority

 

Johor Menteri Besar Hasni Mohammad expects the 29 Perikatan Nasional assemblymen and 27 opposition members to approve the state budget. (Bernama pic)

JOHOR BAHRU: The Perikatan Nasional government in Johor is confident its budget would be approved despite its slim majority in the state assembly.

Menteri Besar Hasni Mohammad expects the 29 assemblymen from the ruling coalition and 27 opposition representatives to back the budget when it goes to vote on Sunday.

Hasni said this is based on the debates on the budget which was wrapped up last night, pointing out he saw no issue that could prevent it from being passed.

“I heard suggestions to improve and strengthen the budget from both sides of the divide.

“I don’t think any bloc will reject the budget as the allocations set aside are meant for the rakyat,” he told FMT.

Last week, Johor announced a deficit budget of RM248.14 million. The state government, however, is expected to spend RM850 million in development expenditure to implement the 12 key agendas of the budget.

It also said it will triple the total allocation for the opposition assemblymen from RM50,000 to RM150,000.

Hasni will wrap up the budget on Sunday before the voting process. Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who is the Gambir assemblyman, is expected to be present. - FMT