PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysia’s civil servants to embrace honesty, dedication, and a renewed sense of purpose in fulfilling their responsibilities, stressing that the future of the nation depends on their integrity and commitment.
Speaking at a monthly gathering with staff from the Prime Minister’s Department, Anwar, who also holds the Finance Ministry portfolio, urged public sector personnel to ensure their earnings are "halal" by carrying out their duties with sincerity and efficiency.
“Do not rely on others. We ourselves must possess the resolve that comes from a clear conscience,” he said. “If we desire a halal income, we must do our work with the utmost effort and serve the people honourably.”
The Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of public trust and accountability in government administration, stating that each civil servant must place the people's mandate at the centre of their professional responsibilities.
Alongside Anwar were key figures including Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Director-General of Public Service Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz, and Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
Turning to fiscal governance, Anwar highlighted the government’s ability to deliver more benefits to the rakyat through Budget 2026, without imposing new taxes—thanks to the success of anti-leakage efforts and more prudent public spending.
“Before considering taxation, which may burden the rakyat, we must first rectify weaknesses in our administration,” he said. “We must question whether our inherited systems are efficient—whether they curb leakages, corruption, and smuggling.”
He added that if the current pace of savings continues—estimated at a minimum of RM10 billion annually—Malaysia could potentially save up to RM100 billion over the next decade, funds that could be redirected into education, healthcare, and national development.
“In just two years, the MADANI government has saved RM15.5 billion that was previously lost—this is only what has been detected,” he said. “Imagine what we could build for our children if we save RM100 billion in ten years—universities, clinics, schools, and more. It is a tremendous opportunity to elevate our nation.”
The Prime Minister’s remarks came shortly after the unveiling of **Budget 2026**, themed *“MADANI Budget IV: A People’s Budget”*, which outlines total public expenditure of **RM470 billion**, up from **RM452 billion** the previous year.
The allocation comprises RM338.2 billion for federal operating expenditure, RM81 billion for development, RM30 billion from government-linked investment companies (GLICs), RM10 billion in public-private investments, and RM10.8 billion from statutory bodies and Finance Ministry-incorporated companies.
Anwar said the government would continue to optimise national resources, including those of GLICs, statutory funds, and MOF Inc entities, while maintaining strong economic resilience and targeted support for small businesses amidst ongoing global uncertainties. - October 13, 2025
