JAKARTA - Malaysian Prime Minister (PM) Anwar Ibrahim said his government cut non-essential spending in ministries. The money saved was diverted to assistance and programs that were directly felt by the people.
According to a report by Malay Mail, citing Bernama, Saturday, May 30, the cuts did not touch important sectors such as education, health, and basic infrastructure, including in Sabah.
One of those cut is the minister's overseas trip. Travel is only allowed for mandatory meetings at international forums such as ASEAN, BRICS, and APEC.
"All study visits and similar trips are canceled at the federal level," Anwar Ibrahim said when opening the 2026 Kaamatan Festival at the level of Sabah in Hongkod Koisaan, Penampang.
He gave an example, the number of official visit delegations which were previously six people was now cut to two. Accommodation was also reduced, from Royal Suite to Junior Suite.
Government training programs are also no longer held in luxury hotels. The activity is now directed to facilities owned by the Malaysian government.
"If we are not wise and careful in shopping, the country cannot be saved. The money we save is returned to the people," said Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that the steps to improve governance and fight corruption were not politically motivated. He said his goal was to restore the state's financial position.
According to Anwar Ibrahim, savings and fund recovery allow the government to rechannel 15.5 billion Malaysian ringgit to the people through various programs, including the Rahmah Cash Donation and the Rahmah Basic Donation.
The fund was also used to repair tens of thousands of school toilets with an additional cost of 1 billion Malaysian ringgit. The government also distributed 100 Malaysian ringgit book vouchers to all school students and university students in Malaysia.
Malay Mail reported that Anwar Ibrahim also touched on Malaysia's foreign policy direction. He said Malaysia chose the principle of centrality, not just neutrality. Centrality means that Malaysia tries to remain independent, not automatically joining certain blocs, but still being able to take a stance on global issues.
"We don't wear neutrality because there are times when injustice, violence, and murder happen elsewhere, and we don't feel it's right to be silent," he said. "Centrality means independence."
According to Anwar, a principled and investor-friendly foreign policy also strengthens Malaysia's trade and investment relations with the United States and China.
"Their visit here and our visit to their country is driven by the same spirit, for the benefit of our people and our country," said Anwar Ibrahim.
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