Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has labelled the opposition's response during the 2016/2017 National Budget Debate  as a pathetic performance.

While speaking in parliament, Sayed-Khaiyum said that the opposition is steering the debate in a skewered manner by using selective information, using the race card and making personal attacks.

He also raised serious concern about Opposition Whip, Ratu Isoa Tikoca reading out the names of selective people in government positions because they are of the Muslim faith.

Sayed-Khaiyum says this is being done to divide the country.

Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum also raised the issue on NFP Leader, Professor Biman Prasad staying silent while the race card is being used by members of the opposition.

Biman Prasad then said that the members of parliament have a right to raise issues.

Sayed-Khaiyum then raised the issue about Ratu Isoa Tikoca naming a selective group of people to divide the people of this country.

He says the national budget has spun the opposition out of control as they do not know how to respond to it.

Sayed-Khaiyum says the budget takes care of the Cyclone Winston recovery efforts and takes care of everyone in the country.

Parliament is currently into the committee stage of the National Budget before the final vote is taken.