Opposition should table alternative budget, Sabah PH leader tells Hamzah

Sabah's Pakatan Harapan leadership has called on opposition figures to move beyond criticism and present substantive alternatives to government budgeting, escalating the debate over fiscal policy and development spending in the state.

Mustapha Sakmud, chairman of Sabah PH, made the challenge in response to concerns raised by opposition leader Hamzah about the current budget framework. Rather than simply voicing objections, Sakmud suggested that Hamzah should table a counter-proposal that would address the state's fiscal concerns while maintaining essential development programmes.

The call reflects broader tensions over how Malaysia should balance deficit reduction with continued investment in infrastructure, social services, and economic growth. Government officials have consistently argued that development spending remains crucial for the nation's competitiveness and regional standing.

Sakmud's statement puts pressure on opposition quarters to move from positioning and articulate detailed policy positions on revenue generation and expenditure management. The challenge underscores the PH leadership's confidence in their budgetary approach while questioning whether critics have viable alternatives to propose.