Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim assured that the government’s review of operating will not effect essential public services, especially in healthcare, especially in healthcare and education.
Addressing concerns after recent announcements of spending adjustments, Dato Anwar has clarified that the recruitment of new doctors and nurses will continue as how it is planned, along with the construction of clinics across the country.
He explained that while some hospital development plans may be sealed down, this will only apply to non-essential or more luxurious aspects of projects.
Education Sector Also Protected
The Prime Minister also addressed concerns about the education spending, noting that even though there has been some reductions, key needs such as building new classrooms for students will remain unaffected.
He stressed that claims about cuts to schools and hospitals are misunderstandings. Government will continue to prioritize core services.
Instead of reducing essential services, the government is aiming for non-critical and excessive spending. This includes, overseas courses that can be conducted locally, ceremonies held at luxury hotels and development projects beyond actual needs.
Official events are encouraged to conduct within ministry premises to reduce costs. The spending review follows directive by Finance Ministry to all ministries to reassess their operating expenditure. This will be part of efforts to manage resources more efficiently.
The Finance Ministry assures that frontline service will also not be disrupted as the adjustments will only involve non-critical spending. There will also be additional measures taken, like postponing events, limiting overseas travel, reducing utility usage and delaying the hiring of non-essential roles.
As government moves to manage the spending’s more carefully, Dato Anwar said that the focus remains to protect the well-being of Malaysians.
Sources: NST
