No reason for 2021 Budget to be rejected, says Tengku Zafrul

KUALA LUMPUR:Minister of Finance, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz is optimistic that the 2021 Budget will be accepted because it focuses on helping the people and regenerating the country's economy.

According to him, the Budget tabled last Friday was to restore the country's economic position.

"I am optimistic that a budget that focuses on the people and regenerates the country's economy will be passed (in the Dewan Rakyat).

"If this budget can help the country, there is no reason for us to reject it," he said in a press conference at Wisma Bernama here on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Tengku Zafrul said if the budget fails to get the support of Members of Parliament, it will affect the expenses of managing the country.

"In economic terms, we cannot pay the government's commitment.

"(And) if it is not passed, we will not be able to pay commitments such as salaries (of civil servants) and assistance to the people," he said.

Meanwhile, Tengku Zafrul said the 2021 Budget was also seen to have a positive effect of 4 per cent to the projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) next year.

“Malaysia's performance is better in this region than other countries, even developed countries are also experiencing a contraction like in European countries.

"Compared to Southeast Asian countries, our performance is better," he said.