Govt to hold 2026 Budget consultation council this week
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the engagement session is part of the Madani government's efforts to ensure the national budget reflects the needs and aspirations of both the people and industry players.
"The engagement session will be held this Thursday, Aug 7. Essentially, it is part of an ongoing effort to gather feedback from various stakeholders, including their aspirations for the 2026 Budget," he said.
"This will take into account the various ongoing initiatives and policies currently being implemented, while also considering the current geopolitical situation and prevailing challenges," he said after attending the Chief Human Resources Officer Nexus Forum.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh was also present.
Fahmi added that the government would also devote more time to understand the needs of the people and listen to the views of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which form the backbone of the national economy.
He said MSMEs contribute approximately 70 per cent of employment for Malaysians.
"As such, it is important for the government to understand the issues they are facing," he said.
Fahmi said this Thursday's session would mark the first of many such engagements, which would be intensified in the coming weeks.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had also advised all ministries to conduct engagement sessions with the Finance Ministry to present their views, he said.
"Based on the 13th Malaysia Plan, which we hope to pass next week, we will then determine the specific areas that should be prioritised in the 2026 Madani Budget under the first rolling plan," he said, adding that the engagement process is expected to continue until the final draft is completed.
The 2026 Supply Bill (Budget) is scheduled to be tabled on Oct 10, according to Parliament's meeting agenda.
Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan said the national budget will continue Malaysia's trajectory of reform, inclusivity, and resilience.
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