KUALA LUMPUR: PKR's Kelana Jaya MP Wong Chen has denied that the Pakatan Harapan's Alternative 2018 Budget is a populist one.
He said the pact's proposal to eliminate the goods and services tax (GST) "may sound populist" but the budget is actually a "progressive one".
He said it was based on realistic and achievable targets that would help ease the people's financial burden.
"The budget is very realistic. It is not a populist budget but it is a transition budget.
"It is a self-repairing, save our country budget. It may sound populist, but it is fundamental to put more money in the people's hands.
"It's actually a progressive budget," he told a press conference after Pakatan Harapan unveiled its alternative budget which was announced by Parliamentary Opposition leader Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
The Pakatan Harapan Alternative 2018 Budget committee is led by Wong Chen. Other members include Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia strategist Datuk Hussin Rais, Parti Amanah Negara's director of strategy Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and DAP lawmaker Ong Kian Ming.