Serving the people: Anwar attending a press conference at the Cyberview Resort & Spa in Cyberjaya. He is flanked by Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (left) and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, with Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil (far left) and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali also in attendance. — Bernama
CYBERJAYA: Proceed with all new projects instead of waiting for the end of the first quarter. This was the instruction given by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to all ministries.
Projects announced in Budget 2024 should already begin since the funds for them have been distributed to all ministries, said the Prime Minister.
“One of the issues we raised (during the retreat) is to ensure that projects announced during the (2024) Budget should not wait for the normal process of (waiting for the) first quarter. Start now,” he told reporters after the unity government Cabinet Members’ Retreat here yesterday.
“We have accomplished a record achievement in the 2023 assessment of projects implemented, and for 2024, we want these (projects) to be implemented fast, which means they (the ministries) can proceed without having to wait for the first quarter (to end).
“Funds have been disbursed. I believe for the first time in the history of the Treasury, it has disbursed the funds to various ministries in January,” he said during a press conference at the Cyberview Resort & Spa here.
The retreat was held for two days on Wednesday and Thursday and was attended by Anwar, his 31 ministers and other public officials.
He explained that the retreat was slightly different than before, as Cabinet members had garnered input not only from each other but also from local and international experts.
Among the topics that the retreat focused on were the economy, education, public service, digital transformation, renewable energy and Artificial Intelligence (AI), he said.
“We are open to all suggestions and criticisms because we can accept the fact that there is always room for improvement and we must always upgrade our services to the public because the goal is the wellbeing of the rakyat.
“We also highlighted issues of national unity, political stability, teamwork in the Cabinet and most importantly, effective implementation of policies.
“We have received many inputs from the private sector, researchers and experts. Even international experts gave us valuable inputs,” he added.
Anwar also refused to reveal the identity of the new Employees Provident Fund (EPF) chief executive officer (CEO) as the candidates are still being screened.
“We will expedite it (the appointment) and there are a few names being considered.
“However, there is a process where (the candidates) must be screened by the MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission), LHDN (Inland Revenue Board), Bank Negara Malaysia and the police. This process may take a few weeks.”
Currently, the EPF CEO post is vacant following the appointment of Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan as Finance Minister II in December.
