TRUE to form, prime minister Najib Razak did it again. An obvious penchant for over-spending, even very close to the proverbial finishing line, Najib can’t resist doing it, especially on the back of a higher revenue from the increased global crude oil price and a stronger ringgit now trading at RM3.80-RM3.90 to 1 US dollar.

But Najib must be reminded that economists are expecting a downside of a about 5-6 % bringing it to RM4.15-RM4.20 against the US dollar, if the development in the US, like economic growth and interest rate increases would trigger capital outflow. Do not be too bullish.

Be that as it may, a supplementary budget should only be proposed during a time of extreme dire straits. But strangely in Malaysia Bolehland, a supplementary supply bill is actually money already spent. So, why really bother debating it, someone may ask.

What a big joke for an ala-westminster democracy, where the entire legislative branch of the government ie the parliament, was historically incepted to table, debate and pass the bill on the budget yearly! It is truly a farce democracy and makes a huge mockery of the parliamentary system, which supposedly, is to check and balance the Executive.

With Najib’s additional obsession for hiding spending in an ‘off-budget or off-balance sheet spending’ fashion, it makes it all the more opaque and ridiculous for the parliament to oversee government spending. Hence, to say that Najib is not prudent in fiscal discipline is an understatement. He is reckless and has little regard for the legislative process.

Little wonder that ‘contingent liablities’ have spiralled exponentially in Najib’s reckless-spending regime to RM226.88 bilion now! Inefficiencies, leakages and rentier class are abound, to cause distortion of the market and makes the economy much less attractive and less competitive.

Admittedly, many are unaware of this fact. So, for as long as the ruling party has the majority, they will just do it or bulldoze it. The opposition can be frantic, but it makes little difference to him. The bill will be passed nonetheless.

For the record, Najib has, without fail since 2010, came back to the parliament for his ‘additional budget’. A total sum of RM110 billlion in the past eight years was what Najib spent in supplementary budget, oftentimes twice a year. 

This time Najib is seeking for an approval of RM8.83 billion, of which he had spent, the bulk again, in operating expenditure. This is highest amount since 2013.

The justification on the needs would only be discernible, when we peruse the numbers and allocation. Najib must surely has his reasons, which of course is invariably justified as ‘unforseen’ expenses.

Just when economists are about to be convinced that Najib has finally become prudent with spending, he dashed their expectation. So, going forward, will we ever see a change in this man, if ever he will be mandated again?

For this less-than-prudent spending habit, coupled with all the bad news flow of the multi-billion kleptocracy and money-laundering bandied around the world of MO1 and the never-ending scandalous leakages perpetrated on GLCs like Felda, TH and the EPF, would it not be fair to give the rakyat a break, please?

Isn’t it time for a change? It surely can’t be any worse than this. If anything, it could only be better. We can’t have more of the same thing anymore, please.

With the prospect of having an experienced hand, who had helmed the nation for 22 years, soon aided and be replaced by his former deputy, that has long waited for his eventual tenure, l must say that at least we have something to look forward to rather than the MO1 and his deputy PM. I’m sure that l’m not alone.

In all conviction and humility, this legendary duo, would be much superior to the very beleagured PM and his dysfunctional government. 

Sorry, l’ve to say it plain and honest. – March 22, 2018.

* Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad is the strategy director for Parti Amanah Negara.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.