Budget 2021: Agong consents to receive briefing by Minister of Finance

KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan, Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has consented to receive the Minister of Finance, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz for an audience regarding the preparation of the 2021 Budget which will be tabled on November 6.

Comptroller of Istana Negara's Royal Household, Datuk Indera Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin in a statement informed that Al-Sultan Abdullah has consented to receive a briefing on the country's economic and fiscal position and the ceremony took place for 70 minutes at Istana Negara on Wednesday.

Following the meeting, His Majesty also expressed hope that the government can better refine the proposal that has been submitted to formulate the 2021 Budget that is inclusive and comprehensive and based on the welfare of the people, the country's economic recovery and the effective containment of the COVID-19 pandemic.

His Majesty was also informed of the Ministry of Finance's efforts to prepare the 2021 Budget since July 2020, through more than 40 sessions involving more than 2,000 individuals and business representatives, including representatives from national political parties that have been held recently.

"Al-Sultan Abdullah is of the opinion that the practice of political maturity by setting aside differences and interests of the parties or individual is very important at this time for the safety and welfare of the people and the well-being of the country which is very much affected by the COVID-19 epidemic," he said.

He added this was in line with the spirit of culture encouraged by the Islamic shura as was exhibited by the Malay Rulers in a special discussion session at the Istana Negara on October 25, 2020.

"In a time when we are facing this difficult and critical situation, it is appropriate that we prioritise the welfare of the general public over the interests of individuals.

"It is in line with the method of fiqh by referring to Al-Muwafaqat (volume 3, page 88) which means taking into account the public interest is more important than taking into account the specific maslahah," he said.

In this regard, Al-Sultan Abdullah also expressed hope that the spirit of cooperation expressed by various parties can be continued for the welfare of the people and the country.