Budget 2021: Dr Mahathir wants government to be more empathetic with people's situation - Analyst

KUALA LUMPUR:Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's stand which is to not express any support or opposition towards the Budget 2021, showed that there were things that the government needed to improve.

Universiti Utara Malaysia political analyst, Prof Dr Ahmad Marthada Mohamed thinks it is a sign that Dr Mahathir wants the government to show more empathy and concern for the people’s current situation.

"As someone with a medical background, Dr Mahathir certainly understands the government's priority now is to ensure that COVID-19 can be curbed and as a former prime minister, he certainly knows that economic issues and welfare of the people needs to be given focus.

“At the same time, there are still many aspects in the budget that need to be improved, because of that he reserves his opinion.”

"Among the things he emphasised was the salary cut for ministers.

"This suggestion is actually a reflection that he wants to see the government’s genuine concern for the current situation of the people," he said when appearing in Buletin AWANI.

Prof Marthada added that Dr Mahathir's suggestion should be considered because it is rational and appropriate with the current situation.

"When many people have lost their jobs and the economy is not good, the proposed minister’s salary cut will highlight the commitment of Cabinet members.

"I am sure his suggestion will be given attention because I see what he mooted as a rational step and it is not difficult for the government to consider," he said.