Tersebutlah kisah bajet pilihan raya

When a Malaysian government enters its third year of rule and outlines the budget for the following year, a common question arises, especially among political leaders, analysts, academics, media, and the general public. The question is whether the proposed budget qualifies as an election budget. This is because the budget includes various 'goodies' to sway public opinion to vote for the ruling party during the next election.

Sometimes the claim is true, sometimes not. Every government has faced such a dilemma. Anwar Ibrahim's budget for 2027 has been questioned, but it is acknowledged as a good budget that benefits various segments of the population. However, before the budget announcement, some had already claimed it to be an election budget, even though the government's term would only end in February 2028.

During the budget presentation in Parliament, the election budget question surfaced. Opposition Leader Hamzah Zainudin accused the budget of being laden with sweeteners, which he likened to sugar. He claimed that the budget would likely disappoint the opposition, especially if right-wing PAS leader welcomes it. Hamzah argued that aid or 'sugar' is not a decisive factor in voter turnout.

Although it may seem like a jab at the government, it could also be a way to appease the opposition if they are worried. It also aims to boost support for the opposition. Personally, I believe that whether a budget qualifies as an election budget or not, the promises made can benefit the people. I agree with my longtime friend Kassim Muhamad's view that an economy-friendly budget need not sound overly aggressive or expansive, as it involves ordinary people.

For some, an economy-friendly budget may sound dry, but for the common man, anything that provides relief, such as aid for a meal costing RM750, is meaningful. Kassim even mentioned the hope that local warung (food stalls) receive attention, which he considers not aggressive but clearly humanistic. He believes this is not an election budget but one with a human touch, an important aspect regardless of the budget's title. This article is the writer's opinion and does not necessarily represent FMT.