PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has questioned how many governments would be willing to relinquish power to Parliament, asserting that the MADANI administration is among the few that have dared to do so in pursuit of true institutional and fiscal reform.
“Which government would willingly surrender its power to Parliament? One example is the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2023,” said Anwar, speaking at the launch of the MADANI Rakyat 2025 Southern Zone programme in Nilai on Saturday.
He explained that under the Act, any official growth projection or debt reduction plan announced by the Finance Minister and approved by Parliament must be revisited if it fails to materialise.
“If it cannot be implemented, the Finance Minister must return to Parliament and present it again. This ensures the government’s policies are fully accountable,” he said.
Anwar, who also holds the Finance portfolio, revealed that the Government Procurement Act is set to be tabled in Parliament next week — a significant reform that previous administrations did not pursue.
“The previous government didn’t dare to do it. Why? Because all procurement by the Federal Government, State Governments and Local Authorities must now follow clear procedures and be conducted via open tender, unless it concerns national security.
“If it’s about acquiring radar systems for security, then confidentiality is warranted — that’s the only exception,” he added.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the move is designed to ensure that public procurement is conducted fairly, transparently and free from abuse of power.
In a separate announcement during the same event, Anwar confirmed that the Federal Government has agreed to resolve a decades-long land compensation issue involving the Gemas Military Camp and the Negeri Sembilan state government.
“There’s good news for Negeri Sembilan. The issue over compensation for the Gemas land has dragged on for decades without resolution.
“Yesterday, the MADANI Government decided it will be resolved, and the compensation that is owed will be paid to Negeri Sembilan,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, crediting his dynamic leadership and the state’s progressive development initiatives.
“I thank Negeri Sembilan under Datuk Seri Aminuddin’s leadership for implementing strong development plans. For example, Airbus and Boeing aircraft wings are manufactured here. Now there’s also the tourism push in Port Dickson,” Anwar noted.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s aspiration to become a leading developing nation through digital transformation must go hand in hand with the strengthening of moral values, cultural identity, and religious conviction, Anwar reiterated.
Anwar, at the event, stressed that the country’s technological progress — particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) — must be balanced and inclusive.
“AI, for instance, is not simple, not cheap, and it carries risks. If we merely copy or adopt what is developed by foreign powers such as the United States, Europe or China, we will not be able to safeguard our faith, morals or cultural values,” he warned.
Anwar said the government must ensure that Malaysian youth are equipped not only with the technical knowledge of digital tools and AI but also with the capacity to create locally grounded initiatives.
“We must train our children to understand what digital and AI truly mean, and then be able to develop initiatives that align with our national thinking. We can learn from every country, but we must preserve our values and culture. This is what we mean by education and mastery of new technologies,” he said.
The Prime Minister reiterated that technology should not widen the gap between the wealthy and the poor, or between those with access to AI knowledge and those without. Instead, digital progress must be leveraged to uplift society as a whole.
His comments came as the government continues its push for holistic development under the MADANI framework, which places emphasis on not just economic and technological growth, but also integrity, equity, and cultural resilience. - August 23, 2025
