Finance Minister's statement bland, reeks of threats - Anwar Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described the broad hints dropped by the Minister of Finance, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, on the 2021 Budget as bland and threatening.

He said the hints made on Saturday was also deemed to be a plan to set aside the voice of the majority of Members of Parliament (MPs).

"I think this statement is bland and reeks of threats as well as part of a plan to set aside the voice of the majority of MPs.

"I am confident we can present a better Budget or amendments for the benefit of the people," he said in a statement uploaded via his Facebook account on Sunday.

Anwar, who is also MP for Port Dickson, stressed that the government was urged to re-examine the 2021 Budget.

"As I have emphasised when debating the 2021 Budget in Parliament, the issue of emoluments of civil servants, operating expenses and especially for the front line as well as medical and health equipment, are still maintained.

"I reiterate the call for the government to review the Budget 2021. The opposition will only support if it is really a budget to fight COVID-19," he said.

Yesterday, Tengku Zafrul said the government would not be able to fund all commitments including the payment of salaries of civil servants and frontline workers who fought hard to fight COVID-19 if the 2021 Budget was not approved in the Dewan Rakyat.

"For me, if this budget can help our country, then there is no reason for this budget to be rejected (in the Dewan Rakyat).

"If it is rejected, economically we cannot fund the government's commitment, including to pay aid to the people," he said.