KUALA LUMPUR: The Finance Ministry is capable of managing the funds allocated for Budget 2022 properly, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

       Responding to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's comments in Parliament on Tuesday (Nov 2) that passing the Budget in its current form could leave the present government and future administrations deep in debt, Ismail Sabri said that all views were considered before the Budget was announced.

       "When we announced it we took into consideration all aspects including our finances. But at this time the welfare of the people is paramount," he said on Wednesday (Nov 3) after launching the Rumah Keluarga Malaysia Angkatan Tentera housing in Taman LTAT here.

       "Many have lost their savings... that’s why we provide monetary aid to assist them.

       "Micro business had to close down during the movement control order so that’s why we provide loans for them without interest and a one-year moratorium.

       "It’s true that we are spending a lot but as I said this is for the welfare of the people. The Finance Ministry will manage our accounts well," he added.

       On Subang MP Wong Chen's claims that the 2022 allocation was unfair to non-bumiputras, the Prime Minister reiterated that it was an inclusive Budget.

       "We have stated clearly one by one. Maybe he didn’t read it so I suppose he doesn’t quite understand it.

       "Regardless, the Finance Minister will answer because the matter will be debated in Parliament," he said.

       Earlier on Wednesday, the Prime Minister, together with Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, officiated the new quarters.

       Around 500 families would be moved in with a targeted 2,000 in total to be housed here by the end of the year.

       "We negotiated with the developers to get the units furnished so that members of the Armed Forces can move in immediately. We will try to do the same for future projects,” the Prime Minister said.