By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 21: If Pakatan Harapan (PH) comes into power after the 15th General Election, it will most likely adopt Budget 2023 that has been tabled by the Keluarga Malaysia Federal government.
Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen explained that this is due to the fact that preparation to draft a national budget will take months.
“Moreover, we have less than two months before the new year comes. After the (15th) General Election, there will be a quick sitting to approve the budget. But that’s the only budget document available.
“Otherwise, we will have to prepare a new budget document. So it is likely that PH will adopt the same budget,” he told a press conference at DAP Sarawak headquarters today.
Chong, who is also Stampin incumbent, however noted that legally, Budget 2023 tabled on Oct 7 would no longer be valid when Parliament was dissolved and GE15 was called.
Nevertheless, he pointed out that the most important thing is the implementation of the budget.
“I think all budgets have its strengths and benefits for the people. But, it lies on the implementation.
“I believe that PH will be able to implement the measures, programmes and projects in a much better and more transparent, accountable manner, free of corruption,” he added.
Foreseeing a possibility of PH forming the next Federal government, Chong said DAP Sarawak will do its best to defend the incumbent seats of Mas Gading, Bandar Kuching, Stampin, Sarikei, Lanang and Sibu.
“We also hope to capture another seat (Serian or Bintulu). If we can defend (the seats), there is a high possibility of forming the government and stop the kleptocrats from getting out of jail,” he added. — DayakDaily
