Budget 2027 ‘Not Clouded by Haze’- PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim took a swipe at certain quarters who criticised Budget 2027 without thoroughly examining the figures and data contained in it.

The Finance Minister also jokingly remarked that the budget, tabled on October 9, was not clouded by “haze”.

“Haze affects the air, but Budget 2027 is not clouded by haze. The problem is that some people do not read it. If they read it, the figures and data are clear. It was prepared with great care,” he said.

He was speaking at the Ministry of Finance’s Monthly Assembly, attended by ministry personnel and representatives from other ministries, here on Monday.

Elaborating further, the Prime Minister said a closer examination of the budget data would demonstrate the government’s ability to expand the economy while reducing the fiscal deficit, despite various global economic challenges.

Anwar added that the achievement reflected the effectiveness of the country’s economic management, which required cooperation from the entire government machinery rather than relying solely on the Finance Minister.

“For example, just look at how we can still expand the economy from 2026 to 2027 while reducing the fiscal deficit.

“Imagine, under conventional economic theory, this would normally not be possible. When economic conditions are affected, the deficit cannot be reduced. But we have managed to do so because of sound economic management. This is not just about the minister; it involves our entire government machinery,” he said.

Anwar stressed that the government would also continue implementing the MADANI Economy framework to ensure the country’s economic management remained resilient and inspired confidence among the public and investors.

Last Friday, the Prime Minister tabled Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat, with an allocation of RM510 billion aimed at uplifting the dignity and well-being of Malaysians at all levels.

Themed “Reaching for the Sky, Rooted in the Earth”, Budget 2027 outlines eight key pillars, encompassing commitments ranging from improving people’s quality of life to strengthening the nation’s resilience and securing its future.

AWANI