PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has criticised opposition members for making unsubstantiated political attacks and ignoring the government’s record of delivery, urging for a more constructive, fact-based discourse in Parliament.
Speaking during the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) in the Dewan Negara on Monday, Anwar dismissed allegations that his administration had achieved “nothing” in its first three years.
“There are colleagues on the other side who claim the government has done nothing,” he said. “If they say it is not enough, I understand. If they say it is insufficient, I understand. If they argue certain actions were unwise or suggest alternative approaches, I understand.
“But to claim that nothing has been done – that is simply false. And to use religious justifications, including Quranic verses, merely to deny our efforts on political grounds – I reject this in the strongest terms.”
Anwar also called for debate to be based on evidence rather than “reckless accusations,” stressing that the government’s work must be assessed fairly.
As an example of tangible achievements, he cited the construction of 102 new schools and the upgrading of 1,177 dilapidated ones nationwide, with RM12.5 billion allocated for education infrastructure as of June this year.
Addressing claims of racially unequal distribution of development funds, Anwar emphasised that allocations under RMK13 were made according to need, not ethnicity.
“I am uncomfortable with such polemics because they imply that Malays are already comfortable, or that the Indian or Chinese communities are neglected,” he said. “Do not question if a certain community receives more – that is based on need, not race.”
He pointed out that nearly 57 percent of recipients of the inclusive Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid programmes were Malay, with Sabah Bumiputera comprising 7.57 percent and Sarawak Bumiputera 6.23 percent.
Meanwhile, the Indian community had received nearly RM972 million in assistance through STR and SARA, and RM2.5 billion under housing guarantees.
As Finance Minister, Anwar also outlined nine key thrusts of RMK13, including social empowerment through the Madani philosophy, cost of living management, equitable economic distribution, education and housing reform, rural and regional development, the promotion of high-growth, high-value industries, and the adoption of artificial intelligence and transparent governance.
He said RMK13 must be more than a planning document. “It must be a practical action plan, monitored continuously to ensure each initiative brings meaningful impact to the people.” - August 25, 2025
