Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan said the words Anwar had used several times in the budget speech had given him the impression that was Anwar’s motive, according to a Malaysiakini report.

In tabling the 2023 budget on Friday, Anwar had been critical of the megarich and had urged them to contribute more towards national development. He also announced a tax on luxury goods and an increase in the tax rate for those with taxable income of more than RM230,000.

Wan Saiful accused Anwar of adopting a populist tactic from the Communist Manifesto of German economists Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.

He said the budget was out of touch as it ignored pleas by Employees’ Provident Fund contributors for another round of special withdrawals.

Wan Saiful said the government was detached from the hardships of the people because government leaders were in lofty positions.

“They do not understand the sentiments of those who are struggling. It is not that the public does not have money, but that money is stuck in the EPF.”

Abdul Hadi Awang, leader of Bersatu’s ally PAS, has also previously accused DAP of being “pro-communist”. A police report was subsequently lodged and investigation papers were submitted to the public prosecutor. Hadi has refused to withdraw his statement.