Anwar says facing big challenge due to country's high national debt

SHAH ALAM: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says he was facing a very big challenge due to the country's high national debt.

Anwar said this in his speech when addressing Selangor's civil servants at the state secretariat on Monday (June 12).

"People ask me why I have to work hard when I am already old.

"I tell them, it is my fate and I have been given a big test," said Anwar, adding his big test was the nation's RM1.5 trillion debt.

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Anwar added he can regard the matter like the leaders before him but it was not a feasible move.

"I can say, so what is wrong?

"If not enough money, just borrow.

"Our country can still borrow, there is sukuk and there are bonds.

"But that is not being responsible.

"Who is going to do the repayment?

"The ones who are going to pay are our children," said Anwar.

The Prime Minister added that having leaders, who spend and borrow as much as possible, will only result in the deterioration of the nation's economic management.

According to Anwar, he did not want to increase the country's debts by borrowing more money.

On another matter, Anwar warned that no one will be spared from prosecution for corruption regardless of their status.