PETALING JAYA: Civil society groups are urging the government to make Budget 2026 more transparent and people-centred, with stronger focus on healthcare and anti-corruption reforms.
National Cancer Society of Malaysia managing director Dr Murallitharan Munisamy called for fairer treatment of cancer patients who move from private to public hospitals.
“When patients are referred to public hospitals after being unable to afford private treatment, they are still charged for first-class wards. This is illogical and we kindly request the government abolish this absurd practice,” he said.
Dr Murallitharan also urged the government to stop charging children below seven years old for cancer treatment in public hospitals.
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“It makes no sense that schoolchildren aged seven and above, registered with the Education Ministry, receive fully subsidised treatment while younger children are forced to bear the full cost,” he said.
On governance, the Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) called for greater allocations to strengthen investigation, prosecution and prevention of mega financial scandals such as 1MDB and the littoral combat ship project.
C4 chief executive officer Pushpan Murugiah said Budget 2026 must show clear commitments to empower the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission with adequate funding and independence from political interference.
He said the National Audit Department should be allowed to conduct real-time audits on mega projects and urged funding for effective whistleblower protection backed by legal safeguards, security measures and financial support.
“Without actual budgetary allocations, anti-corruption reforms will remain empty rhetoric,” he said.
Pushpan stressed that the budget must close the gap in data transparency to allow scrutiny by citizens, media and civil society.
“Digitalisation means nothing if contract awards remain at the discretion of ministers or politicians. Funds must be allocated for independent oversight committees.
“Public funds must be returned to the people, not captured as political capital or elite profit,” he said, adding that political financing reform should also be prioritised.
Budget 2026 will be tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Oct 10.
