BUDGET 2023 and the goodies proposed will remain on paper if parliament is dissolved anytime soon, Anthony Loke Siew Fook said.

The DAP secretary-general said if this happens, the budget will mean little to the people as it will not be implemented.

“Actually, we should be focusing on the budget, but due to the political uncertainty, it is not certain that it will be passed,” the Seremban lawmaker was quoted as saying by a Malay-language daily after officiating at the Kedah chapter’s convention today.

“The rumour about parliament to be dissolved soon has caused political uncertainty and triggered all sorts of speculation about the country and its direction.”

He said the speculation about a snap election has dragged on for some time and this has caused political uncertainty.

“What can we do if Umno does not want to listen?

“They are only looking out for their own political interest and not public safety or the dangers brought by flood,” he said.

Umno leaders have been pressing Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob to dissolve parliament.

Opposition parties want the general election to be held next year, and last Wednesday sent a letter to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong appealing for the polls not to be held during the monsoon, which is expected in mid-November.

The current term of the Dewan Rakyat expires in July next year.

Meanwhile, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin wants Ismail to announce if the government is planning to hold the general election soon.

He said it had been two days since Ismail was granted an audience by the king.

“We don’t know if the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had given his consent for the dissolution of parliament,” Sinar Harian quoted him as saying in Pagoh after attending a divisional meeting.

“The government needs to make a decision (set a date for the general election).”

Muhyiddin said Bersatu prefers the polls be called in March next year. – October 8, 2022.