Rebooting the economy

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who appointed himself Finance Minister in his new Cabinet, is hoping to restore economic confidence through new policy approaches.

“I was not inclined (to take on the post), but I want to embark on new policy approaches and restore economic confidence among local traders as well as foreign investors.

“I will be assisted by a strong team that isn’t only civil servants, but also a group of advisers who will not burden the government’s coffers,” he said in announcing his Cabinet at Perdana Putra here yesterday.

In the follow-up press conference, Anwar said the Finance Ministry will be assisted by several advisers led by former PETRONAS president and chief executive officer Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican.

Meanwhile, Anwar said the new Cabinet members will be sworn in at 3pm today.

“I will have a special meeting with the ministers so I can convey several matters to them, such as new rules, direction, and new methods,” he said.

Anwar said ministers should begin their duties soon and he advised them to avoid wastage, bribes and power abuse.

“I have made it clear to the Cabinet that the unity government prioritises good governance and the need to reduce the people’s burden, as well as stimulating the economy,” he said.

The Prime Minister said his Cabinet, which comprises 28 ministers, is a clear signal to the people that the unity government, together with the civil service, will ensure its promises to the people are fulfilled.

The last prime minister who also served as a finance minister was Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Anwar had served as finance minister and deputy prime minister to then premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad before being sacked in 1998.