Muhyiddin: PM might take over finance minister's job in tabling budget

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob is expected to take over Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz's responsibility in tabling the Budget 2023 in Parliament on Oct 7, said Muhyiddin Yassin.

The former prime minister said the move indicated that Ismail Sabri may dissolve the Parliament soon instead of allowing the budget debate to take place at the next Dewan Rakyat sitting, which will commence three weeks earlier on Oct 3.

"I was informed by a friend from Ismail Sabri's cabinet that the prime minister wants to present the budget, which is usually presented by the finance minister.

"Secondly, the budget is usually being tabled at the end of October, but now it is brought forward to Oct 7," he said while winding up debate at the Perikatan Nasional convention today.

"Why is he doing this? I am of the view that it is likely that soon after he tables the budget on Oct 7, there will be no debate because the Parliament may be dissolved on the next day.

"However, this is not important. What is important is that we are expecting a general election soon," Muhyiddin said.

By convention, the budget is tabled by the finance minister and the job is occasionally taken over by the prime minister who also helms the finance ministry. Ismail Sabri is not a finance minister.

The government initially set Oct 26 for the next Dewan Rakyat sitting and Oct 28 to table the budget.

Young candidates

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin said PN passed a resolution to reserve a 30 percent seat quota for women and youth wing respectively.

Muhyiddin, who previously hinted at retiring from politics after the 15th general election, welcomes any move by the coalition to name a younger prime minister candidate.

"We made consideration to field young candidates in Johor and Malacca state elections, this is what we anticipated as we are aware that the people wanted young candidates.

"I am old, that's why when a delegate from Kedah asked us to present a young candidate for the premiership, I am behind this 100 percent.

"What is important is that we make a decision based on a study and in the interest of the people," he said.

PN, which comprises Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star), and the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), held its inaugural convention in Serdang today.

The convention, which is meant for allies in the coalition to discuss their strategies and strengthen their unity ahead of the next general election, was attended by 1,300 delegates.

This is amid concerns raised that the 15th general election could be the coalition's last stand with its allies at risk of being wiped out.

The convention portrayed PN as a party with integrity contrary to Umno, where party leaders were slapped with various charges and even convicted in the criminal court.

Leaders who participated in the debate and winding up of debate, rained praise on Muhyiddin for voicing out against the 1MDB scandal when he was with Umno and later continued the court proceedings against several Umno leaders.

The ruling coalition also passed a resolution to ensure its electorate candidates are corruption-free by requiring them to pass the screening of the enforcement agencies, including the MACC, the police and the Inland Revenue Board.

Muhyiddin proposes agency for better distribution of aid

No big or small party syndrome in PN, says Muhyiddin

Anwar: Govt rushing budget to set stage for GE15

Wan Junaidi confirms Budget 2023 on Oct 7, denies early GE link

Budget 2023 prepared with people's wellbeing at heart - PM