Agong wants politicians to respect command, give strong support to 2021 Budget

KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has repeated his advice for Members of the Dewan Rakyat to give their full support to the 2021 Budget.

In a statement today, Comptroller of Istana Negara’s Royal Household Datuk Indera Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said His Majesty reminded that support for the Budget was important for the well-being and survival of the people, as well as the country's economic recovery affected by the COVID-19 epidemic.

“Al-Sultan Abdullah stressed that the 2021 Budget, which will be tabled in Parliament in the near future, is very important to the government and the authorities, especially the frontline staff, to continue and launch policies and efforts to curb and deal with threats of this epidemic from continuing to spread, “ he said.

In this regard, Ahmad Fadil said, Al-Sultan Abdullah called on the Members of the Dewan Rakyat to respect His Majesty's advice for them to immediately stop all political disputes.

Apart from that, they are also urged to prioritise the welfare of the people and the well-being of the country so that the 2021 Budget is approved without any interruption.

"His Majesty reminded the Members of the Dewan Rakyat that political disputes for their personal interests will be detrimental to the country and all citizens will be victims while the country is still struggling to face the threat of the COVID-19 epidemic," he added.

Ahmad Fadil said, Al-Sultan Abdullah said so after receiving the audience of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for the Pre-Cabinet meeting at Istana Negara, today.

In the session that lasted more than an hour from 8.00 this morning, he said, Al-Sultan Abdullah had consented to a briefing on the 2021 Budget which will be tabled in Parliament on November 6, 2020.

“Al-Sultan Abdullah expressed His Majesty's hope that the 2021 Budget will emphasise the economic recovery of the country and the well-being and survival of the people affected by the spread of COVID-19.

"Al-Sultan Abdullah also expressed full confidence in the ability of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to lead the country's leadership at a time when the country is being tested by various crises," he added.

Ahmad Fadil further said, Pre-Cabinet Meetings are among the weekly activities or main routine of Al-Sultan Abdullah to discuss and exchange opinions with the Prime Minister on government-related matters and issues.