LANGKAWI MP Dr Mahathir Mohamad has reserved his vote on Budget 2021.

“I reserve myself and my party from (voting) supporting or going against the Perikatan Nasional government’s Budget 2021,” he said while debating the RM322.5billion spending plan.

“I hope the reasonable proposals aired in this house are taken into consideration for Budget 2021.”

He said the funds allocated for those in need are insufficient and not wholesome.

The former prime minister said the government of the day can reduce or postpone certain expenditures earmarked for development.

The funds could instead be spent on alleviating the pressures felt by the people, he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir told a press conference after the debate that he is not convinced of Budget 2021’s effectiveness in driving economic recovery.

He said he and his party have no issues supporting the spending plan if some of the reasonable proposals recently mooted in Parliament are included.

“So yes, there are conditions but I am not laying down any specifics. The debates are not over yet and I want to hear more suggestions,” he said.

Meanwhile, on proposals to extend the blanket moratorium on loans, Dr Mahathir said it is best for the banks to decide on this.

“This does not involve the government because it is not government’s money that is not being paid back. It is the banks’. If the banks think that it is something that will benefit the country, then they should extend the moratorium.” – November 12, 2020.