Will Budget 2023 be tabled? Wait for Oct 7, says PM in jest

PUTRAJAYA: The Prime Minister has kept everyone guessing as to whether Budget 2023 will be tabled on Friday (Oct 7).

“Let’s wait for tomorrow. If I say anything now, then there will be no suspense,” said Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on Thursday (Oct 6).

He acknowledged to have heard speculation on the matter.

“Some say it will be tabled, some say it will not. So let’s continue to speculate until we know the answer tomorrow,” he said in jest.

There is talk the budget will not be tabled on Friday as Parliament will be dissolved.

When asked if he would seek dissolution during his audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Thursday, Ismail Sabri said: “I am not sure,” he said.

Ismail Sabri again downplayed his 4pm meeting stating that this was his weekly pre-Cabinet audience with the King.

“The discussions will be on issues that will be discussed in Cabinet and papers that will be presented,” he said.

The meeting with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will be most closely watched as many are anticipating for the Prime Minister to seek dissolution of Parliament.

The current Parliament term will end in July 2023.