He said the allocation should have instead been given to experts inside the country to conduct the necessary studies, particularly those related to poverty, in preparing the document.

The Port Dickson MP believes the expertise needed to manage the country’s economy could be found among locals who better understand the country’s situation.

“I am confident that studies and planning in the country can be handled by local experts because they understand the problems (we face) better. They can understand the problems of poverty and inequality in this country, not foreign consultants,” he said when debating the 12MP in the Dewan Rakyat today..

Help the B40, not rich Malays

Anwar also urged the government to focus on improving the lives of less affluent Bumiputeras, especially those in the B40 category, instead of proposing to strengthen the position of Bumiputeras in high-income groups.

He said focusing on areas such as education and public health of the rural and urban poor would work better in uplifting Bumiputeras, as they made up the bulk of these groups.

“Create an allocation (for this) instead of emphasising positions in government-linked companies (GLCs), contracts, and the desire to produce millionaires. We do not care about the millions (of ringgit), Bumiputeras (who are less able) should be given priority and attention,” he said.

Stop mega projects

Anwar also urged the government to consider a freeze on “mega projects” in order to prioritise efforts to make the 12MP a success.

“This parliamentary sitting should be used fully to concentrate on 12MP. If it is necessary, delay large projects like airport projects and the ECRL and re-examine the MRT3.”

He questioned the benefits of such endeavours at a time when people were “hungry, unemployed, do not have enough to eat and lack quality education”.

Anwar also called for a review of the plan’s target of RM10,000 in average household income, He said government targets must also take into account unemployment and poverty rates.