PARLIAMENT Three PAS lawmakers have broken ranks with the Islamist party by voting against the Budget.

The three – Pokok Sena MP Mahfuz Omar, Pasir Puteh MP Nik Mazian Nik Mohamad and Kubang Kerian MP Ahmad Baihaki Atiqullah – did not adhere to PAS' decision to abstain from the Budget vote.

When met at the Parliament lobby, Mahfuz defended his decision.

"I voted for the people [...] I voted against the Budget because I love the people and I don't want a budget that burdens them.

"My other (PAS) compatriots did not vote in favour of the budget, so it’s the same," the former PAS information chief said.

He said he was not afraid of any action for breaking ranks, adding that he feels what he did was not against the party's decision.

Four of the 14 PAS lawmakers were reportedly not present for the vote, including party president Abdul Hadi Awang.

Hadi had previously said that PAS would not vote against the Budget as the party's policy was to support things that were good for the people.

This is despite PAS previously saying it would support efforts to show no confidence against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Create pie charts

The Budget was passed at policy stage through bloc voting, with 128 votes in favour, and 74 against.

The bloc vote was called on the request of Anthony Loke (DAP-Seremban).

The committee stage and final debates will take place tomorrow after Question Time.

Related reports

Najib survives first budget vote

Gov't paid RM60m to AES firms, says Liow

This is the level of Harimau Malaya, take it

Rafizi files emergency motion on Edra sale