The impending decision of Budget 2021’s approval that was scheduled to be finalised tomorrow (26 November) is likely to be delayed to next week.
The parliament will not be able to make the crucial decision on the bill that could potentially decide the future of PM Muhyiddin’s administration as an estimate of about half the ministries haven’t responded to issues raised during debates in the Dewan Rakyat, told official sources to The Straits Times.
“There are 16 ministries that have not wrapped up. We have to give the necessary time,” said a government official to the publication. The official refused to disclose their identity as the information was not made formally known to MPs.
The decision-making process is also being delayed because parliament proceedings can only go on until 2pm every day instead of carrying on till the evening to minimise the risk of spreading the virus.
Many lawmakers are unhappy with the Bill and have threatened to refrain from giving their support unless changes can be made, particularly for matters involving increased withdrawals from statutory retirement savings, loan moratorium, and larger cash handouts. Interestingly enough, many MPs from Umno, the party which forms a large majority of Perikatan Nasional (PN) have voiced their unwillingness to support the budget.
Among the figures who have criticised the bill are former Prime Minister, Najib Razak and Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, the party’s advisory council chief. This delay in finalising the budget will give the government more time to negotiate with the MPs and adjust the funds allocated for different sectors.
Previously, Finance Minister, Tengku Zafrul claimed that the government would not be able to fulfill their duties of paying frontliners and civil servants if the budget is not approved.
Yesterday in parliament, Keningau MP Jeffrey Kitingan was questioned by several opposition MPs whether he had completed his mandatory 14-day quarantine after returning from Sabah to attend Parliament. The MP has since clarified that he was given clearance from the Ministry of Health.
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Also read: Finance Minister: No Salaries For Frontliners & Civil Servants If Budget 2021 Not Approved
