Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has cautioned civil servants not to be complacent as the national debt has reached RM1.2 trillion.
Anwar pointed out that the national debt, when including liabilities, amounted to RM1.5 trillion and this matter must be addressed immediately.
Therefore, he called on civil servants to do away with the culture of contentment and they have to accept the fact that things can no longer be business as usual.
“The reality is that the economic situation has not subsided. It is still gloomy and this has ties to international and global development such as the Russia-Ukraine war and Covid-19 post-pandemic.
“Even the International Monetary Fund keeps on revising the economy on a downward trend.
“This is our challenge,” Anwar said in his opening speech at the Budget 2023 dialogue at the Finance Ministry this morning.
The finance minister said the government could have saved billions if it had been more careful with its procurement of weapons and equipment under the Defence Ministry.
“Issues on floods and weapons, if this is managed by those who are more ‘competent’, we can reduce (the wastage).
“What is the consequence? We are experiencing high leakages. In less than two months at the Finance Ministry, I have identified RM3 billion to RM4 billion that can be saved.
“We can save it, maybe RM10 billion could have been saved from the continuous leakages that occurred in the government procurement system,” Anwar added.
He stressed that the wastage of resources could have been avoided with the eradication of corruption at all levels, and if there was no political interference or the interests of big vendors.
Anwar said that he will attempt to address matters pertaining to the national debt on Feb 24 in Parliament when the revised Budget 2023 is expected to be tabled.
Focus on SMEs
In related news, the Pakatan Harapan chairperson said the upcoming Budget 2023 will emphasise providing assistance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to become more competitive.
It will also prioritise the green and digital economy.
“Sustainability cannot be preserved if there’s no clear commitment to climate change and one clear policy to restore the greenery of this country.
“It won’t happen without care and compassion,” he added.
He noted that the SME sector is a major contributor to the country’s economy as it provides job opportunities.
Therefore, more support must be given to these enterprises to allow them to grow and develop so they can compete with mega corporations and other big players.
No new landmarks, skyscrapers
Unlike some of his predecessors, Anwar said he has no plans to build landmarks or skyscrapers to mark his administration.
Pointing out that the country has more than enough iconic buildings such as the KLCC Twin Towers, KL Tower and The Exchange 106 (formerly known as Menara TRX), he said he will not be competing to erect more of such buildings during his tenure.
“Under my administration, there is no intention of building a new landmark.
“What I think we need to boost the city’s potential is to take care of its cleanliness, its beauty and the space for SMEs to grow.
“I want to focus on stall owners and small traders that are hundreds of thousands in number but have not been given any attention because their premises are not pleasant to look at,” he added.
Therefore, Anwar plans to beautify approximately 30 to 40 small trader premises in Kuala Lumpur to benefit tens of thousands from poor communities. - Mkini
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