2021 Budget may be passed, hope government listens to criticisms - Tun Mahathir

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad admitted there is a possibility that the 2021 Budget presented by Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz can be passed in the Dewan Rakyat.

However, he opined that the government should realise that the RM322.5 billion budget is seen as only giving money without the right objectives.

According to the Langkawi Member of Parliament, the government and the Ministry of Finance should listen and take into account the views of non-government MPs because they also bring the voice of the people.

"There is a possibility that this Budget will be passed. But many are unhappy with this Budget because it seems like an effort to give money without a goal.

“(It is done) just to get support and we spend a lot of money for individuals, certain people, and certain bodies. But what are the problems to solve (economy and COVID-19) are not given much focus, "he said in an ‘Exclusive with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’ interview on Astro AWANI, tonight.

While debating the Supply (Budget) Bill 2021 on November 12, the pro-tem chairman of the Parti Pejuang Tanahair (Pejuang) said that he and other Pejuang MPs would only decide to support or reject the 2021 Budget based on the government’s measures next.

He added that he hoped that the government would consider the suggestions that had been made and their support depended on the level of government's acceptance of the proposals.

Commenting further in the interview hosted by Astro AWANI Senior Editor Nazri Kahar, Dr Mahathir said it was important for the government to review the Budget details presented on Nov 6.

“We hope this government is more open, that is, they not only want us to approve something but also listen to our opinions. Because our opinion is not for our benefit… but for the benefit of the people.

"So, if the government feels indebted to the people, then they should accept at least part of our criticisms," he added.