Budget 2021: Strangely, opposition is like recognising PN government - Tun Mahathir

In fact, he described the action as strange.

"In the 2021 Budget debate yesterday, we found that not only the government party supported, but most opposition MPs too supported.

“This is strange. For as long as Tan Sri Muhyiddin's government was formed, the opposition tried to bring it down with a vote of no confidence in Parliament.

"No less than 25 no-confidence motion was submitted. When the Budget was tabled, the opposition said as if they would reject it. Some leaders came to see me the day before to express their opposition," he said in a latest post on the chedet.cc blog.

In fact, he explained, it was clear that opposing it at the committee stage as it will be done does not have any significant impact on the government or the Budget submitted.

"When the Budget is passed without opposition at the second reading in the Dewan Rakyat, this means that the government is already recognised by the opposition, except for 13 members who stood against it.

"Opposing at the committee stage, as it is said to be done, will not bring any significant impact on the government or the Budget submitted," he added.

Dr Mahathir added that opposing at the committee stage is just an attempt to divert the views of the people who were disappointed with the attitude of the opposition.

"The backdoor government led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin was not elected by the people. Manipulation was done to seize power from the people's elected government.

“Not enough at the Central level, the Sabah state government which was clearly elected by the people was also seized by forcing state elections.

"To stay in power, this government had to bribe MPs to get support.

“In the Budget debate yesterday, we found that not only the government party supported, but most opposition MPs supported," he added.

Instead, Dr Mahathir claimed that various 'sweets' were offered to get the support.

"Inevitably, we tend to believe that various sweets are offered for support. If true, it means corruption has reached a very dangerous level to the country. Everything can be bought with money, including the government.

"People's elected government can be bought and overthrown because elected representatives are willing to accept bribes as we see happening in Sabah.

“Government not elected by the people can seize power and continue to rule the state and country.

“The opposition is willing to compromise and reject principles and mortgage the people’s support for own benefit," he said.

The former Prime Minister further explained that he and the Pejuang group will continue to reject the 2021 Budget because they see no long-term benefits to the country.

"I and the Pejuang group will continue to reject this Budget. This is because we do not see any long-term benefits to the country in tackling the deteriorating economic problems caused by COVID-19.

"There are no plans to recover and grow the economy as well as help the severely affected businesses. What is there is giving money and more money offered to win the hearts of the people. It is not stated where and how the government will get the revenue to fund all this.

"The government that is gaining popularity with bribes to stay in power is no different from the kleptocratic government we have overthrown. They will only destroy this country," the former prime minister added.