PUTRAJAYA is confident that there are enough MPs to approve Perikatan Nasional’s first budget, said Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof.

“If you look at the number of sensible people, we have enough. I cannot say for sure today that we have 120 or 125 but on average, I see enough sensible people who understand what the government is doing and will support us.

“I’m not worried,” said the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (special functions) in a press conference at the Parliament lobby today.

When asked if it will be a bipartisan or “unity” budget, Redzuan said: “No. It’s going to be a Perikatan Nasional budget”.

Redzuan, however, did not elaborate on what he meant by 120 or 125 votes for Budget 2021 when PN only enjoys the support of 112 MPs after the death of Gerik’s Hasbullah Osman last week.

The Alor Gajah MP said the government’s budget is targeted at the people’s welfare.

“I want to advise all the MPs to set aside their political differences and look at what we are trying to achieve.

“We can improve the budget if it’s necessary,” said the Bersatu leader.

PN will face its first test on Thursday when its first budget will be voted on at the policy stage (second reading).

The opposition, consisting of Pakatan Harapan (109) and Warisan (9), have indicated during their budget speeches that they will not support the budget unless the government withdraws the RM85 million funding for propaganda unit Jasa, allow easier withdrawals from EPF and extend the loan moratorium for six months.

On the government side, all the PAS (18), Bersatu (31) and GPS (18) lawmakers have indicated their support for the budget while several Barisan Nasional (42), led by former Umno president Najib Razak, have only offered conditional support. 

Najib said BN’s support hinges on the easing of EPF withdrawal conditions and loan moratorium. – November 23, 2020.