Belanjawan 2027 perlu disusuli reformasi hasil, perbelanjaan, kata badan pemikir

Belanja 2027 requires reforms in revenue, spending, and services, according to think tank IDEAS. The government allocated RM459.84 billion for 2027, an increase of RM40 billion compared to the RM419.2 billion provided for 2026. IDEAS suggests that efforts to reduce the fiscal deficit must be accompanied by restructuring to strengthen long-term fiscal resilience and Malaysia's economic competitiveness.

The think tank calls for a target of reducing the deficit to 3.3% of the country's Gross National Income (GNI) in 2027, but notes that the deficit-to-GNI ratio remaining at 12.8% and the pledge to cut state revenue to 16.4% of GNI show limited progress in widening the revenue base. IDEAS warns that continued reliance on petroleum revenues and Petronas dividends of RM32 billion undermines the need for comprehensive tax reform and a clear framework for dividend payments to balance government spending with Petronas' long-term capacity.

Regarding subsidies, IDEAS refers to the RM40 billion cost of fuel subsidies in 2026 and urges better-targeted assistance, with allocation based on the most needy households. It also questions whether the 2.6% increase in healthcare spending is sufficient to cover rising medical costs and a shortage of healthcare workers. IDEAS argues that continued investment in health, education, and social protection is crucial to ensure economic growth benefits more Malaysians.

However, IDEAS criticizes the lack of a clear timeline for electoral finance legislation, tenure limits for the Prime Minister, and separation of state and public prosecutor roles, as well as electoral reform. The think tank recommends supporting parliamentary autonomy and proposing the establishment of a reform advisory council.

In terms of federal-state relations, IDEAS proposes increasing the federal budget allocation to Sabah by RM18.7 billion and Sarawak by RM16.2 billion, but stresses that sustained progress requires more than just increased spending in a single year. The think tank urges the government to create a fair, transparent, and predictable formula for federal transfers and special allocations, which should be negotiated meaningfully with both state governments.

This would provide greater certainty about future financing and ensure budgets better reflect regional development needs. The government allocated RM459.84 billion for Belanja 2027, an increase of RM40 billion compared to 2026. The government expects spending to exceed RM80 billion for subsidies, assistance, and incentives in 2027, with fuel subsidies projected to remain high at RM40 billion.