Zahid can say whatever he likes about Budget 2019, says Dr Mahathir

Zaim Ibrahim Zaim Ibrahim Updated 5 years ago · Published on 3 Nov 2018 12:20PM · 6 Comments

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad says today the opposition could only rack up billions of ringgit of debt when BN was in power. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Afif Abd Halim, November 3, 2018.

DR Mahathir Mohamad today brushed aside the opposition’s claims that Budget 2019 was a “copy-and-paste” work from the previous Barisan Nasional government’s budget.

Training his guns on Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the prime minister said it did not matter what he said about the budget as he no longer has power.

“He can say whatever he wants because he has no power,” Dr Mahathir said.

He also took a swipe at the previous administration which racked up billions of ringgit of debt, leaving the new Pakatan Harapan government the task of clearing up the mess.

Commenting on Budget 2019, which was tabled yesterday, Zahid said it placed more emphasis on increasing government revenue instead of handing out incentives for the people.

Zahid also complained there were no allocations for farmers and fishermen.

Dr Mahathir also dismissed claims that the budget had sidelined PAS-ruled Kelantan and Terengganu.

“We have programmes (there). We also give financial aid to Kelantan,” he said.

Yesterday, PAS lawmakers said the budget was lopsided as it had nothing for the two east coast states.

“In the budget this time, issues brought up by Dr Mahathir is the equal development of states but, from what I see, there is none of that,” said PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.

“There is no clear data, especially for the east coast.

“Almost no big agendas at all. I believe there is partiality in government planning,” said the Kubang Kerian MP. – November 3, 2018.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad (left) and Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng holding up a copy of Budget 2019 at the Parliament lobby yesterday. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Seth Akmal, November 3, 2018.

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Comments

  • The welfarism practised spoilt one group of Malaysians and ruined the economy of our nation. PH is cautious not to repeat the same mistake. There is no need to listen to what the old BN has to say.

    Posted 5 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • He can go jump in the lake as well

    Posted 5 years ago by Watchdog Watchdog · Reply

  • Tuan Ibrahim is too blind to see and understand as he always proved to be stupid.

    Posted 5 years ago by Azis Yusoff · Reply

  • Would prefer if the PH Government were to tackle the basic immediate needs of neccessity items such as food items which are daily consumption rather than subsidies for petrol. Set up a dedicated task force to monitor and study why food prices are going up and some are even expansive after SST implementation. Arrest the unscrupulous retailers who are hiking prices in any fimlsy excuses. Check the coffe shops and wet markets why prices are being jacked up and slove it at the roots of the causes. These are the main ills and woes that is hitting the man in the street.. Saving highly on the food cost will stretch a long way for any families and less subsidies on the petrol will not affect them of a basic quality living. Right now no difference in food or neccesity items prices from GST to SST. Providing subsides in the petrol do not actuall cultivate prudence spending or the objectivity in austerity drive to recoup the nations from the high debts. Let the oil price determine the actual market movement and it shall definitely help in terms of the rakayt have to make do with plans of their own in trying to save cost in the transport. But at the same time Government must ensure cheaper transport price to inculcate less dependency on own transport. This also will help to reduce pollution and heavy traffic congestions. Actually the burning of fuel are highly wasted during the peak hours.. PH has to really think unconventionally and very radical in upgrading changes. The subsidies syndrome will always be there to haunt if there is no will by the Government to do away this burden.

    Posted 5 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

  • That indon kaki pukui gangster is irrelevant to us. Can't wait to see him checking in to Bamboo River Resort.

    Posted 5 years ago by Chee yee ng · Reply

  • He can go jump in the lake as well

    Posted 5 years ago by Watchdog Watchdog · Reply