PRIME Minister Muhyiddin Yassin today appealed to lawmakers from both sides of the divide to cast aside their political differences and support Budget 2021 in the interest of the people.

“I hope all members of Parliament can put aside their political differences to ensure that Budget 2021 is passed in the interests of the people and the country.

“Let’s put the interest of the people above anything else.

“An understanding can be formed between members of Parliament to allow Budget 2021 to be passed with the support of parliamentarians from the government and the opposition,” he said in a special televised address today.

Muhyiddin said the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic was very challenging, causing many to lose their jobs and income.

He said Sabah, which held elections last month, has the highest number of cases at 13,701.

“There were almost 20,000 new cases in the past month compared to 10,576 cases in the previous six months,” he said.

“As such, Budget 2021 has prepared many different types of allocations to government agencies, aid to Malaysians and corporate incentives.”

Muhyiddin appears to be making the call for support after his proposal to declare a state of emergency was rejected by the king last Sunday.

And for their part, Pakatan Harapan (PH) said it was prepared to enter into a confidence and supply agreement with the government due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Although it’s been almost a week since the king rejected Muhyiddin’s proposal, the government has yet to commence negotiations with the opposition.

DAP organising secretary Anthony Loke told Malaysiakini.com on Friday that it is up to the government now.

“We have made our stand known. We made it clear that we are ready to discuss with the government. So now we wait for their response,” said Loke.

Asked if PH will vote against the budget if given the cold shoulder, Loke replied: “It is too soon to tell.”

On Thursday, the PH presidential council urged Muhyiddin to immediately commence discussions with the opposition on Budget 2021, which is scheduled to be tabled on November 6.

The council said the budget should focus on the needs of frontliners, identify new strategies to develop the economy and assist those who have lost their jobs or income due to the Covid-19 pandemic. – October 31, 2020.