COMMENTARY

A strong majority is important for approving the 2021 Budget in Parliament. For this to happen, a transparent, middle ground approach of amendments to proposed improvements is necessary. It is crucial in this pandemic that the Budget's content is one that is able to both ensure health and catalyse economic well-being, rather than one that fulfills political agendas. Article in Malay.

A strong majority is important for approving the 2021 Budget in Parliament. For this to happen, a transparent, middle ground approach of amendments to proposed improvements is necessary. It is crucial in this pandemic that the Budget's content is one that is able to both ensure health and catalyse economic well-being, rather than one that fulfills political agendas.

An effective way for the government to manage the concerns and shortcomings of the 2021 Budget is through the scrutiny and review of a parliamentary select committee. This article details why and how this can be done through the new Finance and Economic Select Committee.

Belanjawan 2021 telah memberikan dana yang besar kepada Jabatan Perdana Menteri (JPM), mengembalikan semula penusatan kuasa Perdana Menteri seperti pentadbiran BN. Artikel ini memberi gambaran awal mengenai analisis terhadap peruntukan JPM yang perlu dikaji dan dikurangkan agar ia dapat dijana kepada sektor yang lebih penting dan memperkukuh demokrasi negara.

Concerns on conflict of interest arise with half of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) members holding positions in agencies and statutory corporations under Ministries who are in effect, supposed to be watchdogs of government as members in the Committee.

Concerns on conflict of interest arise with half of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) members holding positions in agencies and statutory corporations under Ministries who are in effect, supposed to be watchdogs of government as members in the Committee. Article in Malay.

Budget 2021 will be the “mother of all budgets” because it will determine the direction of the country and set precedent for potential future health, economic and political crises. Bipartisanship is critical in ensuring the government does not face a shutdown period that will adversely affect the country. Article in Malay.

Recent developments in Malaysia’s political landscape has stirred discussion on a potential Confidence Supply Agreement (CSA), its implementation and impact. This article explains the concept of a CSA and illustrates on its practicality with examples. Article in Malay.

To enhance bipartisan collaboration towards a Confidence Supply Agreement (CSA), it is important for both sides of the political aisle to be open and transparent to reach a consensus before tabling the Budget. The government needs to be committed in this regard and perhaps even give space to opposition MPs to draft its alternative budget.