KOTA BARU: The Government does not intend to borrow any more money to finance mega projects as this will only increase the national debt which is already at RM1.5 trillion.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said any move to initiate more projects would mean having to borrow money again and this was not his aim.
“I really do not agree with the Government borrowing money... as PM, it is my responsibility to reduce the debt, not add to it,” he said when delivering a special mandate to civil servants in Kelantan.
He said it was indeed possible for the government to borrow more money for projects, but those who would end up paying for it were the following generations.
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Anwar said the Government under his leadership would try to reduce deficit this year, and more in the coming years.
“If the deficits in the country are high, it will impact investments,” he added.
He also stressed that he has not issued instructions for action to be taken against any specific quarters since being appointed Prime Minister.
He said what he had done was to tell the authorities to act against anyone involved in wrongdoings.
“I have never ordered for action to be taken against anyone in particular. I just give instructions that action be taken against all those linked to problems.
“I’m saying this because I want the family of civil servants to work in a spirited manner with the knowledge that the leaders are on the right track,” he said
Also present were Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob, Public Service director-general Datuk Dr Zulkapli Mohamed, Prime Minister’s Department Implementation Coordination Unit director-general Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz and Kelantan State Secretary Datuk Nazran Muhammad.
Anwar said he wants to put a stop to the attitude of greed exhibited by certain people when holding positions of authority, such as awarding contracts to family members and cronies without following regulations.
“I am not here for the position or to take revenge, insult and punish people; that is not my job. My order is clear, reminding state and federal civil servants at all levels to discharge their duties in a proper and trustworthy manner,” he said.
“My instruction to the Inland Revenue Board, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Royal Malaysia Police, Bank Negara Malaysia and all other enforcement agencies is to discharge their duties without fear or favour,” he said.
On another matter, he said the Federal Government does not deny the people of Kelantan their rights although the State is administered by the opposition.
Despite political differences, negotiations and meetings were regularly held with regard to allocations for the state, especially for religious and welfare matters.
“Amicable discussions between the federal and State Governments are very necessary to help the people.
“As the Prime Minister I do not want to see the people suffering from cruelty, being denied their rights and sent to prison on false charges although I myself had been a victim before.
Now we need to engage in proper negotiations and resolve whatever we can so as not to burden the people,” he said.
He was speaking at a ceremony to hand over the Prime Minister’s contribution of RM7.76 million for a project to complete the Masjid At-Taqwa Alor Pasir.
Kelantan was among states which received the highest allocations under the Madani Budget.
“The issues of water supply and floods are also given priority because they affect the people.
And an allocation of RM103,863,258 has also been given to imam, bilal, siak and religious teachers in the state, including those for Kelas Agama dan Fardu Ain (Kafa).
“In the Madani Budget, all projects are continued, including for water catchment, upgrading of the Pak Badol to Melor road, construction of Palekbang Bridge and several new projects for Sungai Golok,” he added.
He said apart from this, aid for Sekolah Agama Rakyat (SAR) would also be given fairly regardless of which group they belong to.
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