The marathon nine-day debate was flagged off yesterday, as MPs took turns to air their views on the last Budget before Parliament enters a mid-term recess. Traditionally, MPs see the debate as a useful opportunity to speak not just on the Budget, but on just about anything.

After all, any issue one might have a view or concern about would come under the purview of one ministry or another. And since the Budget debate is the time for ministers to defend their ministry programmes for the coming year, Parliament takes the opportunity to exercise broad scrutiny over all aspects of work by the executive branch.