Budget 2021: PM urged to listen to opposition - Khalid Samad

KUALA LUMPUR : Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has been advised to discuss with all opposition party leaders to get views on the 2021 Budget before its tabling in the Dewan Rakyat.

Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) Communications Director, Khalid Abdul Samad, said it was to avoid problems when it was tabled later.

"We all understand that the 2021 Budget needs to be passed, but we hope the government also understands that for the 2021 Budget to be passed ... they need to engage and debate with all parties.

“I suggest that before the end of this month, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin engage with all opposition party leaders to continue to get input so that many important issues on our behalf can be taken into account.

"They (government) do not have to wait for the day of debate to table the matter (Budget 2021) to adjust and so on," he said when contacted by Astro AWANI on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Shah Alam Member of Parliament also gave the impression that Amanah will support the 2021 Budget as ordered by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

However, according to him, support will only be given if the opinion of the opposition regarding the 2021 Budget is given attention.

Khalid explained, that is a responsibility that must be borne by all MPs and not to overthrow the current government.

"Of course we do not take actions that are political in nature just to bring down the government or to hinder the tabling of the Budget.

“This is because we are responsible and we expect Tan Sri Muhyiddin to change and show a responsible attitude too.

"The Budget must be passed for the benefit of the people and both parties must discuss and respect and take into account the importance as commanded by His Majesty, which is to restore the economy and well-being of the people," he said.

The 2021 Budget will be tabled on November 6, 2020.