Budget 2021: PH submits six proposals to Ministry of Finance

PUTRAJAYA: Pakatan Harapan (PH) has submitted six key proposals to the Ministry of Finance for the Unity Budget 2021 which will be tabled on November 6.

Among the proposals include strengthening social protection, security networks and welfare payments to the vulnerable and the unemployed.

PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said it included increasing welfare assistance to RM1,000 as promised by the government until the COVID-19 crisis ended.

“The 2021 Budget should focus on meeting the economic needs of Malaysians, by creating and preserving the jobs of the people, and ensuring that businesses are helped for them to continue surviving.

"Basically, we urge the government to implement an expanding fiscal policy with the primary aim of alleviating the cash flow challenges of the people and companies," he said in a press conference at the Ministry of Finance building, here on Sunday.

The joint press conference was also attended by Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) President, Mohamad Sabu and DAP Secretary-General, Lim Guan Eng.

Commenting further, Saifuddin said PH also suggested that the moratorium be extended until March 31, 2021.

Here are some other suggestions:

- Increase the Ministry of Health's allocation for COVID-19 and non-communicable diseases (NCD).

- Wage subsidies continue until 31 March 2021 and create 600,000 jobs such as the Malaysia @ Kerja program which provides incentives for a period of two years to employers and employees worth RM13 billion.

- Increased education spending to ensure the continuity of education.

In this regard, Saifuddin said PH hoped the government could consider the Unity Budget proposal.

At the same time, he stressed that PH upholds the order of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.