Belanjawan 2027 NS berisiko tergendala tanpa exco, kata ketua DAP negeri

Ketua DAP Negeri Sembilan, J Arul Kumar, has cautioned that the state's 2027 budget could be jeopardized without an Exco (Executive Committee). Arul, who served as an Adun (Member of State Parliament) for Nilai from 2018 to 2026, expressed concern over how the budget process would proceed without an Exco's endorsement at critical junctures.

He questioned how the state would fund salaries, utilities, and other expenses without a passed budget. Arul, who had been part of the Exco from 2018 to 2026, pointed out that the state had not had an Exco since September 20, following the dismissal of all 10 members due to violating their oath of office. The dismissal came just five days after they endorsed a statement calling for the removal of Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as Yang Di Pertuan Besar.

Arul stressed that the Chief Minister Ismail Lasim cannot simply assume the Exco's role in passing the state budget or other matters unless it's an emergency. The state passed the 2026 budget of RM640 million on January 5 last year, including RM150 million for development spending. According to Arul, annual budget preparations usually begin in May or June of the previous year when state government departments submit their budget proposals.

By September, the process typically involves discussions between the Chief Minister, Exco members, and the chairman. However, no such meeting took place this year. Arul noted that while the government could still prepare departmental budgets, the final budget still needed Exco approval and endorsement. He likened the process to the federal level where the Cabinet reviews the budget before it's presented to Parliament.

"Exco must agree with the budget," Arul explained, "and then the Chief Minister presents it to the State Assembly, where it's supported by an Exco member. The Assembly then makes a decision on the expenditure."