Pushing mega-projects, Hamzah Zainudin criticises Budget 2027 as ‘lacking vision’

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 — Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin today criticised Budget 2027 as “lacking vision”, arguing that the federal government’s spending plan lacks a long-term economic plan and relies heavily on short-term handouts.

Hamzah (PN-Larut) cited the government’s failure to meet its target of RM90 billion in development expenditure for two consecutive years, arguing this indicates poor fiscal management that could fuel concerns about potential under-investment in infrastructure projects.

The Larut MP suggested large-scale infrastructure projects to serve as primary “engines of growth”.

“I mean he (Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) has tabled five budgets already but still has not shown any clear ideas for the future. This clearly shows this government lacks vision,” he said at a press conference here.

“Even if you look at development expenditure, it was he that set the RM90 billion target. That is in the 13th Malaysian Plan, yet the devex (he’s announced) for two straight years didn’t meet the target… isn’t this the very waad (vow) you made?”

Anwar tabled a record RM459 billion federal spending plan for next year, of which some RM83 billion is earmarked for development. The rest will go to operating expenses, the bulk being pension payments and emoluments.

Hamzah suggested there should have been more for development spending. He proposed mega infrastructure projects such as a major highway connecting Malaysia’s east and west coasts, or new sea ports to improve logistics efficiency, enhance supply chains, and boost regional trade connectivity.

Still, Hamzah and the Opposition have also been accused of lacking ideas. Government leaders often point out that Perikatan Nasional has failed to produce a single shadow budget since 2022, which they said reflected the coalition’s lack of vision or ideological coherence.

When asked why PN has not produced its own budgets, Hamzah called it a futile exercise.

“As the Opposition we are asked about producing alternative budgets. My question is: can they be implemented? If can’t then what is the point? It becomes a self-indulgent exercise,” he said.

“What we do is we debate to correct policies (under the Budget) that we feel are weak and not beneficial to the people, and we feel the views we express should be considered by the government.”