KUALA LUMPUR, February 24 – Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim presented the Civil Malaysia Budget 2023 in the Dewan Rakyat on Friday. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, arrived at the Dewan Rakyat grounds at about 3.53pm wearing a blue Malay shirt. It is the first budget presented under the Anwar-led Unity Government. The budget presentation, which promises various important announcements taking into account the current economic challenges and the interests of people from all walks of life, was broadcast live through several television stations, local radio and social media.
The government allocated RM388.1 billion for the 2023 Budget presented on Friday. The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, of this amount, as much as RM289.1 billion for operating expenditure and RM99 billion for development expenditure and including RM2 billion in contingency savings. He, who is also the Minister of Finance, added that in line with the expanding fiscal policy, the development allocation was increased to RM97 billion compared to RM71.6 billion last year.
This increase is to focus on programs to eradicate poverty, repair public and rural infrastructure. With the reform of government procurement procedures, it will be ensured that this additional expenditure is fully utilized for the benefit of the people,” he said when presenting the 2023 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat on Friday. The Prime Minister on 20 Dec last presented a special provision (Mini Budget) under the Consolidated Fund (Expenditure Entered into Account) Act 2022 which came into effect on 1 January last for the purpose of service expenditure involving a sum of RM107,718,676,650.
Previously, the 2023 Budget prepared by the government led by former Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob did not have time to be discussed and approved, after Parliament was dissolved on October 10 last year to make way for the 15th General Election (GE15).
