THE national budget for 2018 is an “election budget” as the government gears up for the 14th general election which must be called by August next year, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.

“Correct. This is a general election budget,” Zahid told reporters shortly after Prime Minister Najib Razak tabled the proposed Budget 2018 at the Dewan Rakyat.

Najib today presented a budget of RM280.2 billion for 2018, of which 83.5%, or RM234.2 billion, wouldgo towards operating expenses, and about 16% for development. 

Zahid said the proposed budget was a comprehensive one with benefits for all sectors and social groups.

“It is an excellent budget, for as long as he (Najib) has been prime minister while heading the Finance Ministry,” Zahid said.

Najib himself called the budget the “Mother of all budgets” at the end of his speech. 

Farmers, fishermen, students, civil servants and the middle class are among the biggest beneficiaries of the budget tabled. – October 27, 2017.