Actions of opposition leaders in passing Budget at policy stage disappointing

KUALA LUMPUR: The action of the Opposition leadership in passing the 2021 Budget at the policy stage in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday is seen as very disappointing for many parties.

The matter was voiced by Johor Bahru Member of Parliament, Akmal Nasir, Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim and Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar in a joint media statement on Friday.

According to the trio, they were ready to reject the 2021 Budget, however, last minute instructions by the Opposition leadership caused them to comply and follow the party lines.

"The directive issued yesterday by the Opposition leadership to pass Budget 2021 at the policy stage is very disappointing to many parties.

“We are ready to reject the Budget until the last-minute directive that binds Parti Keadilan Rakyat (Keadilan) MPs according to party lines.

"Nevertheless, our supporters clearly voice the need for determination and ‘istiqamah’ in defending the welfare, interests of the people and the country," according to the statement.

They added it was clear that as a responsible Opposition representative, the people's trust should not only be respected but carried out through appropriate action.

Yesterday, Pokok Sena Member of Parliament, Datuk Mahfuz Omar tried to propose a bloc vote on the 2021 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat but was unsuccessful after only 13 MPs stood up to support.

The action of the majority of Opposition MPs not to support the bloc vote was also criticised by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.