UNREASONABLE FOR OPPOSITION TO PROPOSE 2009 BUDGET BE ALTERED, SAYS DPM

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said the
opposition's proposal for the government to wholly alter the 2009 Budget and
table a new budget was not only unreasonable but would also stunt economic
growth.

He said during the debate on the 2009 Budget, which was tabled by Prime
Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who was also the Finance Minister
then, some opposition members had proposed that the budget be reviewed and
tabled again in parliament due to the changing global economic climate of late.

"The government will not table a new Budget 2009. Changing the budget and
tabling a new one as demanded by the opposition will only stifle government's
effort in maintaining the economic growth momentum.

"The government will instead continue to focus on managing the country's
affairs and improving the people's lot so that the economy will not be hit by
recession.

"Therefore, it is important to continue with the government's expenditure
plans for 2009 to ensure stable economic growth for the people's well-being,"
Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said when winding up the debate on the
2009n Budget at the policy level in the Lower House of Parliament, here Tuesday.


He said the government was always aware and would monitor closely
developments in the domestic and world economy.

"Uncertainties and the global financial crisis have had negative
implications on this country's financial market. But thank God, the policies,
controls and austerity moves by the government previously have been the
foundation of our strong financial position," he said.

Najib said opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim had spoken for five hours on the
2009 Budget after it was tabled in parliament.

"This was extrordinary if compared with the one-and-a-half hours taken by
the prime minister to table the budget on Aug 29.

"Still, the claim by Anwar that the 2009 Budget cannot be applied is
unfounded. In fact, the opposition's attempt to form a new
government on Sept 16 this year was nothing more than a fantasy, a dream that
did not materialise," he said.

What was clear, said Najib, was that the opposition's attempt had caused
instability, disharmony and affected investors' confidence in the
country.

He said the National Front (Barisan Nasional-BN) government would, however,
remain strong to look after the interests of all the races in the
country.

"The spirit of the 2009 Budget shows a caring government which will
continue with its noble struggle for the people.

"In facing the challenges around us, I urge all Malaysians, whether in this
country or abroad, to contribute to overcoming the effects of the global
financial crisis.

"We must learn from past experiences, where we managed to weather each
crisis with the strong spirit of unity and cooperation among us," he
said.


Najib said all quarters, whether the public or private sector,
non-governmental organisations or political parties, each had an important role
to play to ensure that the country continued to grow and develop.

He believed that unity and strong cooperation among all groups concerned
would enable Malaysia to face the challenges ahead.

"No matter how hard the impact of the global economic crisis, we will
weather it with careful preparation. Our fortress of defence must be reinforced
with solid support from all quarters.

"Let's shoulder the trust with full responsibility in building a strong
national economy through the 2009 Budget. Our noble struggle must be pursued
with prudence and wisdom in the interests of this beloved country of ours and
the people," he said.

Barisan Nasional (National Front or BN) is a major political coalition in
Malaysia.

- BERNAMA