KUALA LUMPUR: Sembrong member of parliament Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein's criticism of cabinet ministers not being particularly "interested" in the 2024 Budget has garnered reactions from both sides of the political divide.
On one end, cabinet ministers hit back at Hishammuddin, saying his statement in Parliament was "unfair" and "biased".
On the other end, an opposition leader lauded Hishammuddin, saying there was evidence for his criticism.
Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming said Hishammuddin's statement was unsubstantiated as all cabinet ministers were committed to delivering initiatives in the budget.
"His statement is unsubstantiated by evidence and is grossly unfair and biased.
"We are fully committed to serving and delivering on all financial initiatives in the budget," he told the New Straits Times.
He said his ministry had outlined 15 financial initiatives, including RM100 million to build 7,000 solar-powered green kiosks to help small traders, RM110 million to upgrade 200 markets, RM50 million to instal LED and solar-powered streetlights, RM150 million to refurbish and upgrade public toilets nationwide and the completion of 9,500 units under the PR1MA affordable housing programme by year end.
"All are people-centric projects that are close to the hearts of the people."
On Thursday, Hishammuddin chided ministers in Parliament, saying they did not seem particularly "interested" in the budget.
He said he closely followed the budget announcement, but no immediate action had been taken, especially by ministers.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said Hishammudin's remarks were unfair as ministers had shared updates on budget initiatives with the public.
"It is unfair. So many of us responded to the media the day it (budget) was announced.
"Every event I go to, I take the opportunity to explain budget initiatives to stakeholders."
Pas deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said there was evidence for Hishammuddin's criticism, as many ministers and deputy ministers were not present during the budget debate.
"I applaud and congratulate government MPs who are brave enough to criticise government policies.
"His statement is warranted.
"In the current sitting, often there is no minister or deputy minister in the Dewan Rakyat to follow the debates. A couple of times, the bell was rung as we did not have quorum.
"In past sittings during the time of the past two prime ministers, there were reminders for ministers and deputy ministers to attend (Parliament)."