Kamil Munim, who serves as the finance minister’s political secretary, said the opposition seemed keen to criticise Anwar’s programmes.

“Until now, there has been no proof from Perikatan Nasional that the hosting of Aidilfitri open houses is wasteful,” said Kamil in a statement.

“Bringing up the country’s debt levels … and savings is unreasonable,” he added.

Kamil also said PN’s statements against the Hari Raya open houses seemed to contradict the stance of the menteris besar in the opposition-led states of Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu who had welcomed Anwar to their states for the open houses and agreed to attend them.

Earlier today, PN chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan said holding Hari Raya open houses in six states was against Putrajaya’s commitment to do away with massive events in a bid to cut costs.

He also cited how Anwar previously said that the government’s debt and liabilities currently stood at RM1.5 trillion, or about 82% of the gross domestic product.

Last week, the Prime Minister’s Department said Seri Perdana would not host an open house event this year. Instead, the department will host the open house events in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.

The department also said Anwar would attend three other Aidilfitri open houses in Selangor, Penang and Negeri Sembilan, organised by the state governments.