KANGAR 25 Nov -- The Perlis Malay Association (PEMANIS) today called on all parliamentary members (MPs), particularly the Malay leaders, to  support the 2021 budget, which is expected to be decided by vote in Parliament tomorrow so that the people do not become “political victims”.

Its president, Datuk Mohd Zain Hamzah said as community leaders, the MPs should set aside their political differences so as not to further burden the people who are currently impacted by the uncertain economic conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Don’t let the people become political victims because of personal interest. We are worried if the 2021 Budget that was tabled by the government in the Dewan Rakyat last Nov 6 is not passed. It will have a big impact on the people and the country.

“Budget 2021 clearly brings much benefit to the Malays who are involved in the agriculture sector, the fishermen, petty traders and rubber tappers," he told Bernama recently.

Mohd Zain said what worried him more, if Budget 2021 is not passed, is the likelihood of the 1.6 million civil servants not being paid their salaries as no withdrawals could be made from the government’s coffers.

“We don’t want a black episode in the country's history if the country’s budget is not approved for the time by Parliament,” he added.

-- BERNAMA