Hamzah: No point for opposition to draw up ‘syok sendiri’ alternative budget
He says their role is to scrutinise policies and propose changes instead.
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 — Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has slammed the 2027 Budget as "lacking vision," arguing that the federal government's spending plan remains short-sighted and heavily reliant on short-term financial assistance. Hamzah (PN-Larut) pointed to the government's failure to meet its RM90 billion development expenditure target for two consecutive years as evidence of poor fiscal management that may lead to concerns about insufficient investment in infrastructure projects.
The Larut MP urged the formation of large-scale infrastructure projects as key drivers of growth. "I mean he (Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) has tabled five budgets already but still has not shown any clear ideas for the future. This clearly shows this government lacks vision," he stated at a press conference. "Even if you look at development expenditure, it was he that set the RM90 billion target.
That is in the 13th Malaysian Plan, yet the devex (he’s announced) for two straight years didn’t meet the target… isn’t this the very vow you made?"
Anwar presented a record RM459 billion federal spending plan for the following year, of which RM83 billion is earmarked for development, with the rest allocated to operating expenses, primarily pension payments and emoluments. Hamzah advocated for a greater focus on development spending and proposed ambitious mega infrastructure projects such as a major highway linking Malaysia's east and west coasts, or new sea ports to improve logistics efficiency, enhance supply chains, and boost regional trade connectivity.
However, Hamzah and the Opposition have also faced accusations of lacking their own ideas. Government leaders have pointed out that Perikatan Nasional has failed to release a single shadow budget since 2022, which they argue reflects the coalition's lack of vision or ideological coherence. When asked about the Opposition's lack of alternative budgets, Hamzah claimed it to be a futile exercise.
"As the Opposition we are asked about producing alternative budgets. My question is: can they be implemented? If can’t then what is the point? It becomes a self-indulgent exercise," he said. "What we do is we debate to correct policies (under the Budget) that we feel are weak and not beneficial to the people, and we feel the views we express should be considered by the government."
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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