KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin paid tribute to members of parliament for their support which led to the 2021 Budget being passed at the policy stage in Parliament today.
He said the move demonstrated the maturity of the MPs in making key decisions by placing the welfare, safety and prosperity of the people as a priority.
"I am grateful that the 2021 Budget was passed by the Dewan Rakyat today. I would like to convey my thanks to all parliamentarians, especially MPs from Perikatan Nasional (PN), Barisan Nasional (BN), Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) who supported the Budget's approval at policy stage," he said, adding that the 2021 Budget was the country's biggest to date and crucial for the country.
"This proves that the PN government listens to the people's grievances and is very responsive to the views of various parties in helping the public recover as well as regenerate the country's economy, which was badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"This support will enable the government to ensure that its planned expenditure for next year will proceed smoothly and orderly," he said in a statement.
Muhyiddin said he was touched by the support shown by the MPs, which demonstrates that they upheld the decree of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who had asked politicians to set aside politicking to enable the budget to be approved without any distraction, especially when the country was gripped by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He also congratulated Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and the Finance Ministry for their hard work in completing the winding-up for the 2021 Budget by making improvements for the welfare of the people.
"The improvements (made to the Budget) took into account the views of various parties including MPs who participated in the Supply Bill 2021 debate.
"I would like to emphasise that the PN government is a government that is always open in accepting views, advice and criticism.
"It is hoped that the 2021 Budget will serve as the impetus towards efforts to further improve the lives of the people and the nation."
The Dewan Rakyat yesterday passed the country's biggest Budget to date at the policy stage after 12 days of debate.
The RM322.5 billion 2021 Budget was tabled by Zafrul on Nov 6 and is the first since Perikatan Nasional took over Putrajaya.