Amir Hamzah says RM510 billion Budget can be funded without new taxes by cutting leakages, as analysts weigh its pull with voters
Amir Hamzah said the government is confident it can spend the RM510 billion in Budget 2027 without new taxes by cutting leakages (Malay Mail). BMI kept its forecast that Malaysia’s fiscal deficit will narrow to 3.4 per cent (Malay Mail); DailyDrop saw the opening of that article only. Berita Harian carried economists calling the Budget smart and balanced between people’s needs and fiscal discipline but saying structural reform is still needed. The NST reported that the MCMC and analysts expect the Budget to strengthen the digital economy through connectivity, AI and cybersecurity. FMT quoted analysts saying Budget benefits are no guarantee of votes for Pakatan, and its market report said the ringgit edged higher at the open on Budget optimism, quoted at 4.0815/4.0900. The NST also reported that the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone masterplan is due in December.
A budget that spends heavily without new taxes depends on cutting waste and on growth, and credit analysts watch the deficit figure closely. Voters, meanwhile, are expected to judge the Budget by prices rather than headline handouts.
Few changes hit your wallet this week. Watch fuel and food prices, and the details of tax relief and aid that will come through regulations and circulars.
Economists say the Budget balances people’s needs with fiscal discipline (Berita Harian).
Analysts say the spending will not by itself win votes, and that structural reform is still missing (FMT, Berita Harian).
“Cutting leakages” is a promise that cannot be checked in a day; look for a figure and a timetable. DailyDrop could not confirm what the 3.4 per cent deficit forecast is measured against, so please read BMI’s note before quoting it.
DailyDrop Malaysia edition No. 10 · Morning · WED., OCT. 14, 2026