PM peppers speech with Confucian, Tamil philosophers' wisdom

BUDGET 2024 | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is no stranger to quoting classical texts in his speeches and this was replicated when he tabled Budget 2024 in the Dewan Rakyat this afternoon.

He quoted the Confucian philosopher Mencius or Mengzi when speaking about institutional reforms.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, cited the four basic principles which served as pillars for moral fortitude.

“It is this internal strength which strengthens the government’s resolve to implement reformasi in order to end the suffering of the people, eradicate systemic corruption, reduce bureaucracy as well as to expedite public projects and develop political stability,” he said.

Detractors have accused Anwar, whose Pakatan Harapan coalition's clarion call for decades has been reforms and battling corruption, of stalling or backpedalling on past pledges.

When broaching the subject of upgrading the people’s livelihood, Anwar referred to the words of poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar in the classic Tamil text known as ‘Thirukural’.

Translating it, the prime minister said: “Those who are capable of advancing (riches from various sources of income), collect (the wealth obtained from these sources in one place), protect (the wealth accumulated) and administering the expenditure of this protected wealth (in beneficial ways) is king.”

On this topic, Anwar said the national revenue which increases from economic and fiscal restructuring would be utilised to improve the living standards of the people.

“Emphasis will be given to channelling cash assistance to those in need apart from preparing education, health and basic infrastructure for all,” he added.

Determination in face of chaos

Anwar commenced his speech by reciting a Quranic verse, which he described as an impactful message to mankind.

The prime minister emphasised that there must be resolve behind the will to devise plans to ensure the wellbeing of the people in an era which is chaotic and challenging.

Describing it as an “extraordinary phase” and referring to the Covid-19 pandemic, Anwar defined it as a “postnormal era characterised by chaos, complexity and contradiction.”

“The crisis which erupted has ‘kelajuan (speed), cakupan (scope), skala (scale) dan keserentakan (simultaneity)’ which is disconcerting.

“As a result, it victimises the people, ruins the ecosystem and threatens the food supply chain,” he added.

RM2,400 rebate for electric motorbike buyers

Govt to use electric cars as official vehicles starting next year

Govt moots entertainment tax waiver for local artistes' live shows

Bankruptcy amnesty for those under 40 with less than RM200k debt