BUDGET 2023, which was initially scheduled to be tabled on October 28, will now be brought forward to October 7, the Star reported.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob informed the cabinet of this today.

Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz will present Budget 2023 after the Dewan Rakyat reconvenes on October 3.

Following the cabinet directive, the next step is to inform Dewan Rakyat speaker Azhar Azizan Harun, who will need at least 28 days to inform the members of Parliament of the new date.

According to The Star, Barisan Nasional officials, in reaction to the news, said parliament could be dissolved after Budget 2023 is tabled.

In 1999, Budget 2000 was presented by then finance minister Daim Zainuddin on October 29.

Less than two weeks later, then prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad dissolved parliament for a general election. 

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, meanwhile, confirmed that the national budget would be tabled earlier this year.

“Yes, it is true. The new (Dewan Rakyat) session will start on October 3 actually,” he was quoted as telling Malaysiakini.

He, however, denied that an early tabling meant the general election will be called soon.

“No, there is no discussion on the general election, which is very much still the prerogative of the prime minister (who will) go and seek an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (to dissolve the parliament),” he said. – August 26, 2022.