2027 budget strengthens economic reforms, ensures people are not left behind

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 OCTOBER 2026 —

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 October 2026 – Finance Minister‑II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the 2027 Budget is intended to cement Malaysia’s economic‑reform agenda and to keep no‑one left behind as the country pursues its ambition of becoming a fully developed nation by 2030.

Amir Hamzah explained that the government’s development vision is likened to a tree that needs deep roots before it can reach for the sky. He said the “root” is a sound macro‑economic foundation and sustainable public‑finance management, which together support the “growth” of a higher‑income, high‑well‑being society.

The approach aligns with the MADANI Economic Framework, which the minister described as focusing on “raising the economic ceiling and lifting the welfare floor” while carrying out responsible fiscal reform.

In line with that framework, the budget will seek to keep the fiscal deficit and public‑debt trajectory within manageable limits. Amir Hamzah said controlling the deficit and debt is essential to avoid passing an excessive financial burden to future generations and to preserve investor confidence in Malaysia’s economy. He added that fiscal discipline underpins the country’s ability to attract new investment and to spur the development of emerging industries.

Human‑capital development features prominently in the 2027 Budget, the minister said. The government will expand programmes that give graduates more exposure to industry and will boost training in artificial intelligence and digital skills. He argued that such measures are needed to improve labour‑market employability, raise productivity and equip Malaysians to meet the evolving needs of a technology‑driven economy.

Digitalisation of the public sector is also a priority, according to Amir Hamzah. He said that modernising government services will improve efficiency and create new opportunities for growth in nascent sectors. The minister noted that the success of the budget will ultimately be judged by its ability to translate economic growth and reforms into higher incomes, more jobs and greater welfare for the population.

The minister’s remarks came during a live interview on “Bicara Naratif: Belanjawan 2027 – Menggapai Di Langit, Mengakar Di Bumi,” where he reiterated that the budget’s core aim is to ensure that as Malaysia moves forward, its people move forward together, leaving no one behind. He concluded that the budget’s impact will be measured by how well it strengthens fiscal position while narrowing socioeconomic disparities.

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