KAJANG: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says no new official car will be bought for his use and no renovations will be carried out at his office.
Calling it a new culture to be practised by all, he said wastage must be avoided in his administration “because every Ringgit counts”.
“Think of what you can save – RM100, RM1,000, RM10,000 – which can be returned to the poor. I started with a commitment not to take a salary, but what’s important is not to waste what funds we have,” he said.
“This is a message to all department leaders to remember that in the current situation we should start a new culture. Don’t use government money for our own facilities,” he said.
All government money would be used in the best way to avoid the wastage that had often happened in previous governments.
He said he would hold a meeting with government departments and agencies in Putrajaya that would focus on lowering the rising cost of living.
Anwar had previously announced that tackling the cost of living would be his first priority. He has also stated that he would not accept the prime minister’s salary and would only accept the allowance paid to MPs. Anwar is MP for Tambun.
Reiterating that his Cabinet will be downsized, Anwar said he would do away with the extravagant manner of appointing ministers as a form of reward.
“I want them to support me based on my
policies and my commitment towards good
governance, my commitment to anti-corruption drive, and to resuscitate the economy...it is actually that.
“Of course, we can consider one or two cases where it’s absolutely necessary, but it should not be seen as rewarding political masters in order that they support you,” he said.
On when the Cabinet line-up will be announced, he said it would be in the next few days as he is currently in discussion with the coalition members including three main parties in Pakatan Harapan namely PKR, DAP and Amanah and United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko).
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