PAS told to present national economic plan ahead of Budget 2027

Budget 2027 is fast approaching, and opposition party PAS should unveil its own national economic plan for scrutiny by voters, analysts contend. PAS MPs should take a more proactive stance by scrutinising the federal budget and proposing their own solutions, according to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia academic Mazlan Ali.

The analyst stressed that PAS, as the dominant opposition force in the Dewan Rakyat, must present policies and ideas that outshine the unity government’s, highlighting its achievements in the four SG4 states of Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis and Terengganu. Syahir Sulaiman, a Bachok MP, also advocated for PAS to address seven key economic challenges in Budget 2027, such as fiscal constraints, cost-of-living pressures, job losses, low wages, and small business pressures.

However, PAS-led SG4 states' economic performance remains mixed, with some notable successes but uneven progress. Terengganu's diversified economy, bolstered by state-linked firms like Terengganu Incorporated and Eastern Pacific Industrial Corporation Bhd, stands out. Kedah's Kulim Hi-Tech Park, attracting major investors, also contributes positively.

Meanwhile, Kelantan and Perlis require stronger measures to enhance investor appeal and broaden economic base. If PAS can present a coherent national plan built on its SG4 record, it could strengthen its future prospects of forming the government.