PARTI Sarawak Bersatu’s (PSB) Selangau MP, Baru Bian, said confusion and uncertainty among opposition MPs over “a last-minute instruction” from the Pakatan Harapan (PH) whip was the reason why support for Budget 2021 bloc voting failed.

“PKR and DAP MPs were looking at their leaders whether to stand up or not.

“I noticed some stood up and later sat down as their leaders did not stand up to indicate going for bloc voting,” Baru, who was among the 13 MPs who had stood up in support, said in a statement today.

The former PKR Sarawak chief said his reasons for objecting Budget 2012 were “basic and fundamental”.

First, Baru said, the budget was not “just and fair” as the dissatisfaction of opposition and independent lawmakers had not been taken into account by the finance minister during his winding up speech and no amendments were made either.

“He may have made some concessions in some areas but many were not considered or not very clear.”

The second, he said, was to reflect his opposition to the present government “which is not mandated by the people”.

Under the Westminster system, which Parliament is based on, a defeat of the budget would infer the government has lost its command in Parliament, thus throwing doubt on its credibility to lead the country.

However, Baru said whether the opposition succeeded in the second option or not is secondary.

“It is the principle behind the voting that matters most. On the basis of these two basic reasons, I believe the opposition should vote against the budget.

“I felt we should go for bloc voting on principle that the budget is not comprehensive and that this is not a legitimate government which has the mandate of the people.”

Meanwhile, Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister James Masing said Parliament should now move on with reduced politicking.

He said the passing of Budget 2021, even by a very small margin, showed that the MPs are “matured enough to allow this government to continue administering this nation especially in time of Covid-19 pandemic”.

“The government, I believe, had done very well in managing the impact of Covid-19, and the MPs acknowledged that and voted this budget through.

“I really hope and pray that our MPs, from now onward, will reduce politicking and apply their knowledge and expertise to make this nation a better place for everybody regardless of religion or race.” – November 27, 2020.