While no effort seems to have been spared in promoting his new image as the prime minister, the build-up of expectations could backfire, a communications expert warns.

Ahmad Maslan says the budget for 2023 is expected to be tabled on Feb 24.

Budget 2023, which was prepared by the previous government, was not approved or debated in the Dewan Rakyat following the dissolution of Parliament on Oct 10.

The government's five-year tax plan, once unthinkable in pacifist Japan, would make the country the world's third-biggest military spender after the US and China, based on current budgets.

Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt will present his crucial budget in parliament, alongside official economic and inflation forecasts – with recent data signalling a grim outlook.

The prime minister says it must be debated and approved in the Dewan Rakyat so that the essence of the federal budget can be implemented.

The Perikatan Nasional information chief says the recent developments show that Umno has failed to empathise with the people.

This is despite the fact that doing so would put Barisan Nasional in a positive light.

While the total allocation of RM1.6 billion will help boost the tourism industry, many factors need to be taken into consideration, they say.

Individual income tax rates will be cut while incentives will be continued for a number of areas.

Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz says any discussion on the consumption tax will depend on the state of the economy.

A total of RM55.6 billion has been allocated to the ministry compared to RM52.6 billion the year before.