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PUTRAJAYA – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has asked government agencies to stop organising big-scale ceremonies or buying new attire for events to avoid wasting public funds.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the allocations used for such extravagant events could instead be channelled to the needy.
“Every agency should reduce and end wastage. Cut down on grand and extravagant events.
“Some departments, for example, would buy new clothing, new batik and make new preparations each time there is a ceremony or celebration. I say let’s stop this practice,” he said when launching the 2022 National-Level Hawkers and Petty Traders Day convention here today.
Anwar said if there was a need to order new clothing for any ceremony, the purchase should be for lower-grade staff only.
“If you want to give, then extend it to the poor, to the low-grade workers or the B40 group. Do not give to me, the ministers or the secretaries-general,” he said.
Some, he said, might view this move as petty but it could benefit many poor people in the country.
“Some people say this is a small matter, (such as) my rejection of a Mercedes, a salary, but if we stop all these things, then the allocations can be given to the poor,” he said. – Bernama, December 22, 2022