Bersama’s Budget 2027: Not ‘business as usual’, and what it would do instead
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Malaysia's opposition party, Bersama, has unveiled a shadow budget for 2027 that prioritizes long-term structural reforms over reactive fiscal policies. Key proposals include replacing the sales tax with a GST and restructuring fuel and cash aid subsidies.
Why it matters
The proposal highlights a shift in economic strategy for Malaysia, aiming to address fiscal sustainability and long-term growth amid global economic uncertainty.
News ✕ Bersama's Budget 2027: Not 'business as usual', and what it would do instead Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain Published: Oct 8, 2026 8:30 AM Bersama’s shadow Budget 2027 argues that “business as usual” is no longer an option for Malaysia’s fiscal policy amid global uncertainty and mounting structural pressures at home.
The proposed budget, presented by party co-leader Rafizi Ramli last night, says Malaysia can build resilience by strengthening domestic capacity, diversifying sources of growth, and taking the “hard road” on structural reform.
Rafizi argued that annual budgets have long functioned like a “fire extinguisher”, with problems tackled only after they emerge, when the fiscal cost of responding is higher and policy options narrower. Bersama instead wants a longer-term approach to avoid late interventions and damage-control policymaking.
Among its key proposals, the shadow budget would...
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