In the run up to the unveiling of Budget 2017, there was much speculation that it was going to be an election budget.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, at the end of his speech to Parliament, also appeared to allude to this.

“The BN government, with the grace of Allah, is confident that the winds of victory from the Sarawak state election, which also blew over the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections, will begin to uplift our endeavours, day by day.

“God willing, it will lead to a huge victory for the BN government in the 14th general election,” said Najib.

While Najib's remarks may add to the hype of a general election next year, the budget provided to the Election Commission (EC) suggests otherwise.