PETALING JAYA: Despite the current political climate, the administration led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim needs only a simple majority in the Dewan Rakyat to pass Budget 2027, say analysts.
Socio-Economic Research Centre executive director Lee Heng Guie said, historically speaking, the Budget would receive support from MPs, albeit for various reasons.
He noted that MPs who vote to support the Budget do so not out of goodwill but for calculated political leverage, strategic concessions or a shared understanding that failing to pass it would carry consequences.
“No political party wants to be blamed by voters for causing a collapse in investor confidence, disruptions to the economy and businesses.”
He added that it would become harder for any MP to reject the Budget, regardless of party affiliation, if it is a populist one that offers cash handouts, subsidies or tax reliefs.
“There could be some forms of horse-trading and negotiations behind the scenes to align the final votes when passing the Budget,” he said.
Prof Dr Mohamad Fazli Sabri of Universiti Putra Malaysia said the key consideration should be whether the Budget genuinely addresses the needs and well-being of the rakyat.
“If the Budget is people-centred, particularly in addressing the rising cost of living, household financial pressures, employment and income security, I believe it can attract the necessary support in the Dewan Rakyat.”
He added that passing the Budget becomes more significant in light of the challenging environment Malaysia is facing, including rising cost-of-living pressures, global economic uncertainties and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
“At the end of the day, the Budget should go beyond politics.
“What matters most is whether it provides meaningful relief to households, strengthens economic resilience and gives Malaysians greater confidence about their financial future,” he said.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali said Anwar still commands a two-thirds majority in the House despite several PKR MPs having vacated their seats.
He noted that Barisan Nasional would also not reject the Budget as its support is tied to the survival of the coalition government, of which it is a part.
Pakatan Harapan has 76 seats in the Dewan Rakyat, while the coalition government has 150 seats, well above the 112 needed for a simple majority.
Anwar is scheduled to table Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat on Oct 9.
