Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad criticized the Unity Government as failing to bring about significant changes in the people's lives, and even Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is thought to have had little impact on the country.
"He makes announcements every day saying he wants to do different things, but the reality remains the same because he is only good at talking," he stated today during a press conference here.
5 March 2023 commemorates exactly 100 days since Anwar was sworn in as Prime Minister on November 24, 2022, after nearly three decades in opposition.
The Tambun Member of Parliament was appointed Prime Minister to replace Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob after the Yang di-Pertuan Agong directed the formation of a Unity Government in the aftermath of the 15th General Election (GE15) when no political bloc obtained a simple majority of 112 seats.
According to Utusan Malaysia, Mahathir stated that Anwar was only sensible to seek popular support through the introduction of Budget 2023 on February 24.
"The budget is considered to be the largest in history, but many don't grasp that it implies the government has to borrow a lot of money to pay up to RM1.5 trillion in debt that the people will inherit," he said.
In that aspect, he sees nothing but empty talk in Anwar's achievements and victories during his 100 days as the country's leader.
According to New Straits Times, Anwar's amended budget, titled "Membangun Malaysia Madani" (Developing Malaysia Madani), shows a balancing act between the necessity to support the home economy and the commitment to maintain fiscal consolidation.
It is focusing on reducing the high cost of living, boosting the social safety net, and improving the ecosystem of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Anwar is attempting to achieve this by, among other things, improving tax collection efficacy, fixing leakages, and extending the revenue base.
This will be accomplished by reintroducing a tax on luxury products and a capital gains tax on shares in unlisted companies.
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