Opposition leader Hamzah says alternative Budget 2027 would be futile

Hamzah Zainudin, the opposition leader from Larut, told reporters that presenting an alternative Budget 2027 would be pointless because it would never be enacted. He emphasized that the opposition should focus on scrutinising government policies and offering constructive changes rather than drafting a full budget. The remarks responded to a challenge by Mustapha Sakmud, chair of Sabah Pakatan Harapan, who asked for a detailed plan to reduce the fiscal gap while preserving national development.

Hamzah warned against politicising institutions such as Petronas, Tenaga Nasional and KWAP. He also outlined the opposition’s ideas for new growth engines, including east-west logistics links and a new port in Kota Bharu. When asked about voting on the budget, he said the decision would be made after parliamentary debate. He added that the coalition lacks the capacity to produce a credible alternative budget at present.