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KUALA LUMPUR – If given the chance to rule the country, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad believes his new coalition Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) will be better at executing the federal budget than the current Umno-led government.
In a statement today, the former prime minister questioned Umno’s ability to implement all the promises outlined in the country’s biggest ever supply bill, considering the lack of funds, rampant corruption and inefficiency in carrying out the listed projects.
Citing Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s tenure, Mahathir noted how the then administration had borrowed RM42 billion under 1Malaysia Development Bhd’s name for its personal gain, while federal debt had also ballooned during this period.
“Today, interest payments alone require billions of ringgit each year, while principal debts are not paid. Oftentimes, allocation for development is used to pay off the loan interests.
“Because of this, development (projects) lack funds and can’t be implemented. Moreover, the cost has increased due to corruption,” he said.
According to the GTA and Pejuang chairman, while the ringgit continues to crash, many cost-cutting measures are not being practiced, leading to an increase in importing cost and debt repayments.
“This budget looks good, but if the implementation is not efficient, the allocations cannot bring about the promised results.
“That is why, although GTA accepts this budget, numerous changes and additions need to be made.
“God willing, GTA can implement it, particularly the assistance for the rakyat. This is provided Umno does not become the government and GTA is given the mandate to form the new one,” he said.
On October 7, Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz had tabled what is known as the government’s biggest ever budget on record, allocating a staggering RM372.3 billion for next year.
This is RM40.2 billion more than last year’s allocation of RM332.1 billion, which was then also the biggest budget.
The move was seen as a clear strategy for the Umno-led government to win over the support of as many segments of society as possible, with numerous goodies and announcements made for different quarters.
However, just three days later, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced the dissolution of Parliament, nine months ahead of the end of its full term, amid intense pressure from his party.
Polling day is expected to be held in early November, as Umno looks to avoid the incoming monsoon season, which is predicted to cause major flooding in the country. – The Vibes, October 16, 2022