[UPDATED] Current needs necessitates Anwar as finance minister, Muhyiddin will never understand: Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s experience as finance minister based on his previous successful stint from 1991 to 1998 is much needed today as the country looks to revitalise its economy, said Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The deputy prime minister, in responding to criticisms hurled by former leader Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, said this was why Anwar had appointed himself to take up the portfolio once again. 

Zahid said this is something Muhyiddin would never understand, having never achieved similar success, while accusing the Bersatu president of leading a failed government during his short 17-month stint. 

“Muhyiddin’s criticism that the prime minister is also holding the finance minister post did not take into account the current needs, which requires Anwar (at the helm),” he said in a statement today.  

His high performance in managing Malaysia’s finances and economy had once led to a budget surplus. Anwar was also recognised as the best finance minister in the world by Euro Money Magazine and Asia’s best finance minister by Asia Money Magazine. 

“Anwar was also once recognised as The Asian of The Year, while Malaysia obtained the nickname The Asian Tiger among Asian countries when Anwar was minister. 

“Obviously foreign investors will be more confident about making investments with Anwar holding the finance portfolio.”

During his cabinet announcement on Friday, Anwar had announced that he would be leading the Finance Ministry, despite concerns raised by certain quarters over earlier speculations that he would. 

The Pakatan Harapan chairman said he did so reluctantly in light of the current global economic crisis, hoping that his presence will reassure local and foreign investors.

Anwar, who is Tambun MP, said initially, he was not keen on taking the job but that he wanted to start with an approach and policies that would instil confidence in the country’s economy.

“I think, at this early stage, let me do this first while I am being assisted by a formidable team made up of civil servants and advisors who will not burden the government’s finances,” he had said.

In response to this, Muhyiddin lambasted Anwar in a statement yesterday, reminding him that it was this very practice that led to the centralisation of power and large-scale misappropriation like with 1Malaysia Development Bhd.

“His reform agenda rings hollow when he could not even stand up in defence of his own party’s struggle to fight against corruption and promote good governance. His worth as a true leader worthy of respect and dignity is now highly questionable,” Muhyiddin said.

Zahid, however, said Muhyiddin is only resorting to such criticisms and attacks against Anwar and his cabinet out of concern over his alleged scandals during his management of the country as prime minister.

“He’s so afraid and was desperate to become the leader that he was willing to break custom and manners by criticising Istana Negara since the early process of naming the prime minister.” – The Vibes, December 4, 2022