'Budget 2024’s approval is a test of Anwar’s legitimacy' - Pasir Gudang MP

JOHOR BAHRU - The 2024 budget needs to be approved in a vote on Thursday evening in order for the current government to continue with its existing plans.

Member of Parliament for Pasir Gudang Hassan Abdul Karim, said the approval was crucial and if things go the other way, there will be negative consequences, and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's credibility as Prime Minister will be questioned.

"If suddenly the government fails to win a simple majority to approve the budget, then not only the Prime Minister will have to step down but the entire cabinet will have to resign by convention and the Constitution.

"That is how important it is for the 2024 budget to be approved in the voting process this evening in order for the Unity Government to not fall," he said in a statement on Thursday.

He added that later at 6pm, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, would wind up the ministry’s budget at the policy level.

“After Anwar finishes, there will be two votes, and this vote is not just any vote. This vote is on the unity government’s 2024 Budget amounting to RM395.8bil.

“The first vote is for the second reading of the Supply Bill 2024. This was the first test that Anwar's administration faced with a large number of 74 Opposition MPs from Perikatan Nasional.

“If the government fails to pass this first vote, then it will be a disaster for them,” he said

Based on which of the two votes in the process are performed by voice vote, Hassan believes that it will not be difficult for the Unity Government to obtain approval based on which vote is more supportive.

"But if the opposition bloc of the PN which has signficant numbers, stands up to ask for a split vote, then a'moment of truth' will happen, which is the extent to which the true strength of the Unity Government and also the strength of the PN can be calculated

"If a split vote takes place this evening, then attention will be drawn to two members of Parliament, namely Kuala Kangsar and Labuan, who have openly expressed their support for Anwar's administration.

"What kind of vote do they both have—support or oppose?" he asked.