The Majlis Datuk Dato’ Malaysia (MDDM) has commended the recently tabled Belanjawan MADANI 2026, describing it as a well-balanced fiscal plan that strengthens Malaysia’s financial stability while promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.
In a statement issued following the Budget’s presentation by Prime Minister and Finance Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, MDDM highlighted the government’s disciplined approach in reducing the fiscal deficit from 3.8% in 2025 to 3.5% in 2026, while maintaining strong social and developmental commitments.
MDDM President Datuk Samson David Maman said the Budget reflected “maturity and credibility in fiscal management”, adding that consistency in policy execution will be vital for long-term business confidence.
Reform-Driven Fiscal Measures
The 2026 Budget projects revenue of RM343.1 billion and total expenditure of RM470 billion, signalling the government’s continued commitment to fiscal consolidation.
MDDM applauded the government’s decision to strengthen tax enforcement and digital systems — including e-Invoicing, digital tax stamps, and enhanced data integration — instead of introducing new tax burdens.
Dato’ Lock Peng Kuan, Chair of MDDM’s Economy Committee, said these measures represent “a modernisation of Malaysia’s tax ecosystem that promotes efficiency and fairness,” while emphasising the need to guide SMEs through the transition to ensure productivity remains strong.
Supporting Businesses and Households Alike
The association welcomed the government’s subsidy rationalisation initiative, expected to save RM15.5 billion annually, with savings channelled into programmes such as SARA Untuk Semua and Ikhtiar MADANI Untuk Rakyat.
MDDM also noted that the absence of new corporate tax hikes or one-off levies provides much-needed predictability for the private sector, reinforcing Malaysia’s attractiveness for both domestic and foreign investors.
Driving SME Growth and Investor Confidence
In line with its pre-Budget recommendations, MDDM praised targeted support for SMEs and the agriculture sector, including automation incentives and upskilling programmes.
Dato’ Lock, who also serves as Managing Partner, Audit & Assurance, Baker Tilly Malaysia, noted that investor facilitation efforts such as the ASEAN Business Entity recognition, Investor Pass, and Residence Pass–Talent Fast Track demonstrate Malaysia’s readiness to attract regional investments.
“These initiatives show that Malaysia is open for business,” he said, stressing the importance of continuity in policy delivery to sustain investor confidence.
Commitment to Governance and Regional Equity
MDDM commended the government’s continued investment in institutional reform and governance, particularly in enhancing the capabilities of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Royal Malaysian Customs Department, and the National Scam Response Centre.
The council also welcomed record allocations for Sabah and Sarawak, along with major infrastructure projects such as rural water supply and the Sambungan Kabel Dasar Laut MADANI (SALAM) initiative, underscoring a balanced approach to national development.
Building Confidence Through Consistency
Datuk Samson concluded that Budget 2026 exemplifies governance that is both compassionate and disciplined.
“The government has shown that fiscal discipline need not come at the expense of inclusivity,” he said. “The next step is to provide businesses with stability and predictability so that they can invest confidently, create jobs, and contribute to Malaysia’s growth.”
For more information, visit www.mddm.org.my.
