PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional will not oppose Budget 2027 merely for the sake of doing so but will support measures that benefit the people, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.
The Perikatan chairman said the budget’s significance should not be judged by its size but by the tangible benefits it delivers to the people.
“We will scrutinise Budget 2027 responsibly in Parliament. We will support what is good and put forward proposals for areas that need improvement.
“Ultimately, the success of a budget is not measured by the size of the figures announced but by the tangible benefits that the people actually experience,” he said yesterday.
Ahmad Samsuri, who is Terengganu Mentri Besar, acknowledged that the overall RM510bil budget package was substantial.
“However, its true measure of success lies in how effectively these allocations can increase incomes, create quality jobs and ease the cost of living for the people,” he said.
He noted that of the RM459.8bil in federal expenditure, RM376.8bil was allocated for operating expenditure and RM83bil for development.
“With debt servicing charges reaching RM61bil, fiscal discipline and spending efficiency must continue to be strengthened to safeguard the country’s long-term financial sustainability,” he added.
He also said the RM50.2bil in investments involving government-linked entities and public-private partnerships must be closely monitored to ensure their economic benefits and financial commitments are assessed transparently.
“I welcome the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah assistance programmes, as well as measures to increase workers’ incomes.
“However, the long-term priority must be to strengthen the people’s purchasing power, provide fair employment opportunities, and reinforce local enterprises,” Ahmad Samsuri added.
