Budget 2021: Opposition needs to put forward constructive proposals, not rely on bloc vote

KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition MPs are advised to submit constructive proposals to improve and amend the 2021 Budget during debate at the committee stage which is expected to begin on Monday.

Research For Social Advancement Program (REFSA) coordinator, Fakhrurrazi Rashid, said opposition MPs needs to think of a thoughtful strategy and not just rely on bloc vote.

"The most important thing at the committee stage is that the opposition and non-government MPs need to submit proposals or motions to amend the budget and not depend on the bloc vote.

"If there is a bloc vote but there is no motion to amend the budget, there will be a setback which will give an easy path to the government to pass the 2021 Budget at the committee stage.

"This is because it is often difficult for the government to amend or change some details in the 2021 Budget and it will often be passed after the committee stage," he said in an interview in Bulletin AWANI on Sunday.

He added that the opposition MPs need to review and scrutinise every detail, especially the details involving the development and management of the budget that has been tabled.

"This time the opposition and independent MPs need to scrutinise every detail with their commitment to conducting a bloc vote.

"I feel the bloc vote is not only to show pressure to the government alone but also to show the people that they are serious and take cognisance of the 2021 Budget based on their criticism in the debate during the the policy stage," he added.

If the opposition is able to do so during the debate at the committee stage, then the government is likely to face the challenge of gaining the support of the majority to pass the 2021 Budget.

On Friday (November 27), Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said there was still an opportunity to express a firm stance, including through a bloc vote at the committee stage in the coming weeks.