KAJANG: Plugging leakages, curbing corruption and tightening public financial management have given the government greater fiscal room to reduce taxes while increasing allocations for public assistance, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said better governance and greater transparency had enabled the government to channel more funds towards the people without compromising the management of public finances.
"There are those who dispute how we can increase allocations when taxes are not raised.
"This is because there is no leakage, no 'sakau' or misappropriation of funds or corruption. We are blessed and we can help the people. That is our purpose," he said, citing fund allocations for several financial aid programmes for the public and salary adjustments of civil servants.
He said the government also rendered aid to all Malaysians regardless of their political affiliations or the states they lived in and dismissed accusations that opposition-led states were sidelined by the federal government.
Anwar cited the financial assistance extended to Kelantan, including the reinstatement of special aid for religious teachers and repairs to dilapidated pondok schools, which saw financial allocations cease in 2003.
"These pondok schools are in very bad state, with most neglected. However, when we took over in 2022, we felt that this was an unfair system and wanted to look after the people and provide assistance.
"Kelantan is governed by a different political party but the problems of its people are our problems too. There are accusations that we do not provide assistance or that the Malays are not receiving anything but they can see for themselves the aid that is extended.
"This is why it must be made known, not for propaganda or to win votes. Otherwise, those who help will be criticised, and those who steal public funds and deny assistance for those in need are praised," he said at the national-level Hawkers and Small Traders Day Carnival (HPPK) 2026 here on Sunday (Nov 1).
Anwar also urged all parties not to defend abuses of power and corruption but to work together in upholding good values, morality and integrity for the country's prosperity.
"We were taught as kids not to steal. Even if it is something as small as a pencil or fruit from a tree. Otherwise, we would be reprimanded by our parents.
"The same principle should apply to public funds and I have warned that those responsible for misappropriating it must be held accountable, caught and charged in court. Only then can we save our country," he said.
