KUALA LUMPUR: The payment of RM48bil in debts incurred by 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) up until last year could have been better used for other purposes to benefit the people, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
"Universities need to be expanded, many new disciplines and courses in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitalisation, for instance, need to be introduced. Schools need to be equipped with new facilities," said Anwar.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said this during the National Tax Conference 2024 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today (July 22).
The Prime Minister said Malaysia aims to reduce its fiscal deficit target to 4.3% this year, adding that the country needs to be managed well, which is crucial for economic growth.
"In 2023, the deficit dropped from 5.6% to 5%. It was a challenging effort.
“In 2024, we are projecting a further decrease from 5% last year to 4.3%. There must be no leakages or misappropriation or the rakyat and the country will suffer.
Also present at the conference were Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying and Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) chief executive officer Datuk Dr Abu Tariq Jamaluddin.
