PETALING JAYA: Feedback and requests from businesses should be reviewed meticulously for the benefit of the rakyat despite Budget 2023 being brought forward, said trade groups.
The groups added that despite the change in date, it should not have a significant impact on businesses as long as their requests are taken into account.
Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia president Abdul Halim Husin said the Budget must address economic challenges faced by the country such as inflation and the depreciating ringgit.
“The Chamber hopes that the government will take into consideration what we had proposed to the Finance Ministry before this.
“With the change on the date, we also hope it won’t affect the feedback we had given to the ministry,” he said, adding that efforts to empower bumiputra businesses must also be considered.
Commenting on the possibility of the 15th General Election (GE15) being held soon after the tabling of Budget 2023, he said that there will be two sides of the coin to consider.
“Firstly, we’re afraid if we’re too focused on GE15, we will neglect the welfare of the rakyat who are struggling to survive.
“At the same time, if we hold the polls earlier, it would also help in stabilising the government, and this will eventually benefit the rakyat,” he added.
Earlier yesterday, it was reported that the Budget, scheduled to be tabled on Oct 28, is expected to be presented in the Dewan Rakyat on Oct 7 – three weeks earlier than scheduled.
The Cabinet, which met yesterday, was informed of the decision by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Malaysian Budget Hotel Association president Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel said they had no objection to the hastening of the Budget’s tabling as long as the financial plan is friendly towards the hospitality and tourism sectors.
“We have no objections. But we want the Budget to be friendlier towards hotels and tourism.
“For example, the Finance Ministry must look into the issues affecting online travel agents and short-term residential accommodation issues,” said Sri Ganesh, who is also the deputy secretary-general of the Federation of Malaysian Business Association.
Consumer Association Penang education officer NV Subbarow said while the earlier tabling of the Budget makes little difference, the rakyat must be prioritised at all times.
“The Budget will be implemented next year anyway. The rakyat want to know how they are going to benefit from Budget 2023,” he said.
