OPPOSITION lawmakers were afraid of voting against Budget 2021 because they feared a backlash from a public that might perceive their action as an attack on their welfare, said analysts.

Opposition lawmakers also appeared to lack unity, displayed poor strategy and did not show solidarity, the experts told The Malaysian Insight.

Over and above this, many appeared to be confused about the rules when the division call was made as many thought 13 MPs standing were sufficient for the division bell to be sounded and the vote taken individually, the analysts said.

However, the main variable for passing the budget laid more with the Umno backbenchers rather than with the opposition.

As the backbenchers’ main demands were substantially met, it would be logical for them to support the budget, making the opposition’s objection ineffectual and possibly seeming divisive at a time of distress.

Universiti Malaya socio-cultural associate professor Awang Azman Awang Pawi said Pakatan Harapan’s main fear was the backlash from Malaysians if they were seen to be politicking during a pandemic.

“There were also doubts on how the people would perceive their actions if they voted down the budget, as it would be like opposing their welfare,” he said.

Awang Azman said PH also lacked coordination and strategy when voting on the budget.

“At the same time, there are parties in PH that have their own views, they failed to coordinate and viewed each other with suspicion,” he said.

The professor is likely referring to the animosity between former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who heads Pejuang, and opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

Most of the PH politicians stood down when the speaker called for a division vote to decide the budget at the policy stage.

Only 13 lawmakers from the opposition stood up to demand a division vote: Dr Mahathir, three other Pejuang members, and nine Amanah members – including Pokok Sena MP Mahfuz Omar.

Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and his deputy Salahuddin Ayub did not stand.

The house requires a minimum of 15 MPs standing for the division vote to be called.

Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Dr Oh Ei Sun said PH did not push the vote because they followed the tune of the backbenchers, who initially opposed the budget.

“As the backbenchers’ main demands were substantially met, it was only logical for them to support the budget,” Oh said.

Prior to the vote, Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz announced several concessions to demands from both sides of the divide.

He said the government agreed to extend the loan moratorium for all B40 income earners and small businesses.

It also agreed to allow eight million EPF contributors to withdraw up to RM10,000 from their Account 1 in one lump sum instead of RM6,000 over 12 months.

“As such, it would be logical for them to support the budget, making the opposition’s objection ineffectual and possibly seeming divisive at a time of distress.

“Thus, they chose to essentially recuse themselves from voting,” Oh said.

Political risk consultant Adib Zalkapli added it was a moral victory for the Perikatan Nasional government, passing a budget they have been under pressure to do for the past few weeks.

“With the approval, PN can claim to have the support of Parliament, at least for now. Although legally PN will still needs to get the budget approved at the committee stage and third reading,” Adib said.

However, the BowerGroupAsia director added that PH has a chance to derail the budget in the later stages, because the vote yesterday was not final.

“During the debates, the opposition MPs spoke against the budget and questioned the legitimacy of the government.

“By not challenging the voice vote, they lost an opportunity to manifest their opposition to the budget, but there will be similar opportunities at the committee stage and the third reading,” Adib said.

Oh also said the outcome of the vote in the next few weeks might not reflect the vote yesterday as things were changing fast in Malaysia’s political climate.

“Another crucial test for the government’s support would be the final budget vote in the middle of next month, the result of which may or may not resemble this vote.”

Parliament will begin debating Budget 2021 at the committee stage next Monday, when the expenditure of each ministry will be scrutinised.

Although the budget has passed the policy stage, it could still falter as each ministry’s allocation has to be voted upon.

PN must ensure it has enough representatives in attendance on voting day as the opposition could call for a division vote to approve each allocation. – November 27, 2020.