Malaysia’s RM322 billion (US$80 billion) federal budget was passed in the parliament’s committee stage today, even though members of the opposition rejected it.
The budget will now be sent to the Senate level for final ratification before coming into effect next year.
A total of 111 MPs voted in favor of the budget against 108 MPs. Gua Musang rep Razaleigh Hamza, who was also part of the United Malays National Organization, was absent from voting.
Those who voted against the budget include former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, Democratic Action Party’s Nga Kor Ming, and Subang MP Wong Chen.
Mahathir had already objected to the budget on Nov. 26, along with 12 others, when it was passed at the first stage.
The Ministry of Education will receive the biggest cut of the Budget 2021 with RM50 billion (US$12 billion). RM830 million will be set aside for the Ministry of Health to deal with containment and treatment of infectious diseases not limited to COVID-19.
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