Opposition leader says Budget 2027 handouts won’t sway voters in next election

Speaking in parliament, Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin said the handouts labelled “candies” in Malaysia’s Budget 2027 will not dictate how voters choose their leaders in the upcoming general election. He stressed that voters will base their judgment on the everyday cost of living, including food, housing and transport, rather than on growth or inflation figures. Hamzah criticised the government for failing to curb soaring prices and for not delivering high-impact mega-projects during Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s five-year tenure.

He pointed out that the Election Commission’s budget has more than doubled to RM367 million, yet an election would likely cost far more than the allocated sum. While acknowledging schemes such as Rahmah Cash Contribution, Rahmah Basic Contribution and Rahmah Sale, he questioned their long-term effectiveness. He warned that the RM83 billion earmarked for development falls short of the pledged RM90 billion, risking a heavy economic burden for any future administration.