In a Bernama report, Anwar said the allocations used for such extravagant events could instead be channelled to needy groups.

“Every agency should reduce wastage, end wastage. Cut down on grand and extravagant events,” he said at the opening of the National Level Hawkers and Petty Traders Day Convention in Putrajaya.

“Some departments, for example, would buy new clothing, new batik and make new preparations each time there is a ceremony or celebration.

“I say let’s stop this practice.”

He said that if there was a need to order new clothing for any ceremony, such purchases should only be for staff on lower pay scales or those in the B40 group.

“Do not give it to me, ministers or secretaries-general (at ministries),” said Anwar.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said that while some might view such cost-cutting measures as petty, it could benefit a large group of poor people in the country.

“Some people say this is a small matter, (such as) when I rejected a Mercedes (and) my decision not to take a salary, but if we stop all these things, the allocations can be given to the poor,” he said.