It recorded more ayes than nays.
The budget, tabled on Oct 29 with an allocation of RM332.1 billion, is the largest to date.
Some 100 MPs had debated on the budget since Nov 1, followed by ministerial replies on the questions raised by the MPs.
The budget will now be debated at the committee stage.
Several opposition MPs had asked for a bloc vote because they felt there were more nays than ayes, but it did not materialise because fewer than 15 MPs asked for the head count.
Finance minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz was quizzed by several PH MPs on the massive disparity between the allocation for the different races.
Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (PH- Setiawangsa), interjected the finance minister, saying: “The race-based allocations in this budget have caused anxiety among Malaysians who want this budget to be needs-based, not race-based.”
Tengku Zafrul responded by saying that the Bumiputeras received more allocations as they were the biggest racial group in Malaysia.
“The Bumiputera community also has the highest rate of absolute poverty, as well as low household incomes compared to other racial groups in this country.
“The special aid scheme for small and medium enterprises amounting RM10 billion will benefit 20,000 SMEs, 80% of which are owned by non-Bumis.
“So let us not talk about racialisation in this budget.”
Darell Leiking (Warisan-Penampang) asked why Sabah had received a low allocation, despite contributing RM84 billion to the national gross domestic product (GDP).
“Why did the Sabah Bumiputeras received only RM10 million and non-Muslim houses of worship received only RM50 million? Why not increase these allocations?”
Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen (PH-Bandar Kuching) asked the finance minister to explain why Sabah and Sarawak had received a lower sum for the 112(D) allocation under the Federal Constitution, compared to the amount given by the Pakatan Harapan administration.
The finance minister later announced that both Borneon states would receive an additional allocation of RM500 million that will be used for infrastructure development and economic recovery of both states.
He also announced that an additional RM10 million had been kept aside for the auditor-general’s department to look into any wastage of public funds.
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