NAJIB CATERED TO ALL, SAYS GRATEFUL ZAHID

DPM laughs at ‘reformasi’ antics, says opposition frustrated that govt can do better

KUALA LUMPUR

DEPUTY Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi described the newlytabled 2018 Budget as a “thorough and comprehensive” budget that caters to all segments of society in the country.

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak not only tackled issues of the B40 and M40 groups, but also addressed the needs of civil servants, pregnant mothers and private investment, among others.

“Not only can pregnant wives take days-off, their husbands can, too. This type of budget doesn’t cost a lot of money, but at the same time, it has a big impact on them,” he said in the Parliament building here yesterday.

Najib earlier tabled the 2018 Budget at the Dewan Rakyat.

At the end of Najib’s speech, opposition leaders stood up and shouted Reformasi.

Asked for his opinion on why the opposition behaved that way, Zahid laughed and said it was probably because it was frustrated that the government’s budget was better.

“They said our budget is an election budget. Yes, it is an election budget,” he said.

Pakatan Harapan on Wednesday revealed its alternative budget, where it promised to abolish the Goods and Services Tax (GST), provide free education to all as well as give 20 per cent oil royalty to Kelantan, Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak.

Earlier, Najib had described Zahid as an undoubtedly loyal companion. To this, Zahid said he felt grateful and appreciated when the prime minister included his name in the budget.

“Personally, I am pleased with the prime minister’s recognition, who described me as a loyal friend. I’m grateful because it came from the leader of our country.

“I feel very appreciated,” he added.