KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 — The many projects and allocations under Budget 2016 would not have been possible without the Goods and Services Tax (GST), de facto law minister Nancy Shukri said today.

The Barisan Nasional (BN) lawmaker also said the government budget, tabled in Parliament today, showed how “realistic” the broad-based consumption tax was despite complaints after its implementation last April.

“Although previously there are certain quarters commenting on GST, but it seems like GST is helping us now,” Nancy told reporters when met outside the Parliament lobby.

Minister in charge of parliamentary affairs Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said while the percentage of GST taxation was questionable, it was still necessary to help the country grow.

“GST is needed for any of the countries right now, maybe you can dispute on the percentage but GST is needed,” she told reporters curtly before leaving.

The budget tabled today will help Malaysians deal with the growing economic crisis worldwide, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said.

“We are ensuring that the rakyat will get everything they need to make their lives better.

“We realise that the world economy is not in a good condition and as a country we will be facing some problems, but we are confident that this budget can overcome the problems, so I hope the public would support this budget,” said the Umno minister.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the welfare of ministries was well taken care of despite economic constraints.

“The security issue was not abandoned especially in Sabah, so I believe that in a year, we would be able to realise everything we hope for. The creative action and proactive plan as announced by the prime minister just now has put the country in a good track,” he said.

Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan was also elated with the budget tabled today and claimed it was the best budget for Sabah, his home state.

“I’m very happy on behalf of Sabahans. I think this is the best budget for Sabah. Thank you prime minister,” he said.