Budget 2023 should be debated, says Amanah deputy president

KUALA LUMPUR - The 2023 Budget passed by Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz should be debated, says the opposition.

Amanah deputy president Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said however, he had scrutinised the budget and felt that it could not be debated due to the fact that there were rumours that Parliament will be dissolved, next week.

“There were strong rumours saying that Parliament will be dissolved next week.

“But what I think should be questioned now is the reality as the problem at the moment was uncertainty in terms of when the Parliament will be dissolved.

“Hence, I hope if the budget were people-oriented, it should be allowed to be debated,” he said.

Salahuddin said the opposition had an agreement where Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had enough time to build back the country's economy.

“As opposition, we had agreed that there was enough time for the Prime Minister to work towards the recovery of the country, without struggle or any pressure by any parties for the Parliament to be dissolved,” he added.

Commenting on speculations if Parliament did not dissolve and whether it will be realistic, he said they could consider the budget as "goodies" ahead of the upcoming election.

Nevertheless, he still stressed on debating the 2023 Budget and let the rakyat enjoy the benefit of the budget, next year.