Newly-minted Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali has discussed how to realise Harapan's manifesto with the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), including adopting open tenders in the government's procurement process.

At a press conference on his first day at work, he said the government can no longer practice direct negotiations and limited tenders.

"(We) discussed the procurement process. It must be done in the open. No more direct negotiation and limited tenders," Azmin said.

He also noted that lack of transparency and non-openness were among the reasons why the national debt had increased to almost RM1 trillion, an issue on which he had been briefed by the officers today.

Most of the projects were off budget, not under or being part of the national budget, he said.

"That caused a major alarm to the new administration," Azmin said.

On May 8, Harapan released its plan for fiscal reforms in its first 100 days if elected as the government, which sought to improve the country's investment climate, reduce the costs of living and business, raise national competitiveness and improve the overall economy.

The reforms plan focuses on three key areas: (1) federal government budget and finances; (2) accrual accounting and asset-liability management; (3) outstanding government debt obligations, including government guaranteed debt, especially foreign obligations.

The new government will still continue with the major agendas of the previous government, including the 11th Malaysia Plan, Azmin added.