Anwar to govt departments: Don't go overboard for Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations

PUTRAJAYA: Government departments and agencies must not go overboard when hosting Hari Raya celebrations, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said they must be wise when spending public funds, particularly for matters like festivities and celebrations.

“We must be mindful because there are still some of us who lack comforts and may not have access to facilities, all of which we must look into and work on improving,” he said at the Finance Ministry's monthly gathering on Tuesday (April 2).

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, reminded agencies and departments not to outdo each other in hosting their Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.

“There is no need to be proud and compete (on who hosts the grandest event). Remember that the money used is not ours entirely. Just have a simple do,” he said.

He also said there would not be a grand-scale Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at Seri Perdana, the official residence of the Prime Minister.

Instead, he would be joining several Hari Raya do organised by ministries in several states.

“I will be attending these events so that no additional cost will be incurred,” he said.

Since he took office, Anwar has done away with hosting a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at Seri Perdana.