PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says he will review approved projects to ensure there are no leakages as the national debt has exceeded RM1 trillion.
“I am examining the files, that’s why there are some projects we are asking to be postponed, re-examined or cancelled. This is not to take a jab at any political figure,” he said at a gathering with Muslim preachers at his official residence today.
Anwar said last week he had ordered a review of RM7 billion in contracts approved under the RM15 billion flood mitigation project that were conducted through direct negotiations instead of a tender process.
UnmuteFullscreenCopy video urlPlay / PauseMute / UnmuteReport a problemLanguageShareVidverto PlayerHe said he had worked hard to check the files. “Some projects, we postponed, rechecked or cancelled,” he said. “If we want to spend (money), we have to check, this is a matter of good governance.”
He said the country should be managed according to the correct rules.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said he wanted to re-examine the flood mitigation projects in order to avoid any problems, pointing out that if any issues arise, the victims would be the public, especially the poor.
“The majority of the poor are Malays, that’s why we have to be careful when spending public funds.
“Managing the country requires order and rules. Look at the spontaneous approval of flood mitigation projects, there are some unanswered questions and I ask that they be postponed and re-examined.
“I will go to the finance ministry tomorrow to investigate the matter,” he said.
Earlier, Anwar fired his first salvo against corruption by warning Cabinet members that anyone involved in bribery or misuse of power will be booted out immediately.
Anwar said he would not compromise on such culture in the unity government that he leads.