Table an alternative budget if you’re unhappy, Hamzah told

Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Mustapha Sakmud has urged opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin to submit a comprehensive alternative budget. This request stems from Hamzah's concerns over the 2027 budget, which he believes could place undue pressure on key national entities like Petronas, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, and KWAP. In a statement, Mustapha emphasized that Hamzah should outline a clear plan detailing how he intends to reduce the fiscal deficit without compromising development, especially in Sabah and Sarawak.

He pointed out the government's success in reducing the deficit from 6.4% of GDP in 2021 to 3.7% in 2025. Mustapha highlighted that figures cannot be misleading, noting the steady decline in the fiscal deficit over the past four years. He also revealed that the new federal borrowings have decreased from approximately RM100 billion annually in 2021 and 2022 to RM75.6 billion in 2025.

Furthermore, Mustapha pointed out that the 2027 budget set aside RM18.7 billion for Sabah and RM16.2 billion for Sarawak, accounting for a total of RM34.9 billion, which is RM2.2 billion more than the previous year. He concluded by stating that fiscal discipline does not hinder the government from progressing with its development plans.