Budget 2026 People-centric And Reform-driven, Say MPs

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- The Budget 2026 tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today has been described as a rakyat-centric budget, featuring key reform elements in national governance.

Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the various initiatives announced clearly reflect the MADANI government’s concern for the people, including through the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) programme.

The Sungai Buloh MP said the budget is also highly inclusive, with allocations for the Indian and Chinese communities through the rebuilding of Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) Jeram and the RM90 million allocation for improvements to Chinese New Villages and Indian Villages.

“This proves that this year’s budget is truly focused on the people. It is a people’s budget — a very good one that covers all aspects, including race and background. Everyone will benefit from Budget 2026,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

Earlier, the Prime Minister tabled Budget 2026, themed Fourth MADANI Budget: A Budget for the People, which aims to consolidate and optimise national resources, including funds from government-linked investment companies (GLICs), federal statutory bodies and the Minister of Finance (Incorporated) (MKD) companies through total public expenditure of RM470 billion.

Anwar said the budget comprises RM338.2 billion in federal operating expenditure and RM81 billion in federal development expenditure, as well as RM30 billion in GLIC investments, RM10 billion in public-private investments and RM10.8 billion in investments by federal statutory bodies and MKD companies.

Teresa Kok (PH-Seputeh) said the various governance-related announcements in Budget 2026 demonstrate the government’s seriousness in implementing institutional reforms, including proposals to introduce new laws.

She said the budget also emphasises efforts to increase tax collection and strengthen enforcement agencies such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM).

“In addition, for the first time, Parliament has been allocated RM220 million, including RM5 million specifically to strengthen the select committees. We will also see new legislation to separate the roles of the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor, a move that has long been called for.

“Overall, Budget 2026 not only protects the people but also advances reform, rectifies existing weaknesses, and builds a stronger economic foundation for the future,” she said.

Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian) said the proposed implementation of a carbon tax in Budget 2026 is appropriate to ensure industries are accountable for their carbon emissions.

He said the tax is consistent with global practices, but the government should assess the rate and its impact on investors and the energy sector.

“We need to examine the direct impact on the affected industries and determine what percentage of tax should be imposed,” he said, adding that attention should also be given to other sectors, such as palm oil mills and government agencies that contribute to carbon emissions.

Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) said the implementation of the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loan repayment exemption for B40 students who complete their first-degree studies is a positive move but should be further detailed.

He said further clarification is needed to ensure the implementation does not cause confusion, including on its mechanism and eligibility requirements.

-- BERNAMA