Is this an Election Budget? 'Protect the people above all else' - PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has described the perception of some parties that the 2021 Budget as an 'Election Budget' as inaccurate.

He stressed that the 2021 Budget being prepared by the government has placed priority to protect the people above all else.

He said the government's focus at the moment was to balance between the obligation to protect the people and the need to ensure economic survival.

"The important thing right now is to deal with the COVID-19 problem and the second is to manage the economic problem. This is the main thing and it does not include the third thing, which is the election.

"If we can resolve these two things, I really hope that we will get a new mandate. Meaning, we will go to the people and ask the people to consider.

"If they think the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government is good, has given a lot of support and assistance in caring to alleviate their problems and appreciating our efforts, maybe it is the best time for the General Election to be called," he said in a virtual Pre-Budget 2021 Special Interview with the media, today.

Muhyiddin stressed that the 2021 Budget is a continuation of all economic stimulus and recovery initiatives implemented previously and not the 'Election Budget'.

"I do not know when this COVID-19 will be ended and the economy will recover. We pray to Allah SWT that our country will be back on track in not too long a period.

"Once that is done, then Insya-Allah, we will be able to manage the future of our country better.

"So, this Budget, I do not mention it as the election Budget. Whether the election or not, the important thing is to help the people," he said.