This comes after the government decided to maintain subsidies for chicken and eggs, and the public services department’s (JPA) scholarships for students pursuing studies in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.
Anwar dismissed the claim by Zulkafperi Hanapi (PN-Tanjung Karang) that he had flip-flopped over the two issues, telling the Dewan Rakyat that discontinuing the JPA scholarship was an “old decision”.
Anwar said the unity government decided to maintain the scholarship after chairing a special meeting with the department last week.
He also said he had decided not to proceed with floating the prices of chicken and eggs in the market from July 1 after considering the recommendation of the agriculture and food security, as well as domestic trade and cost of living ministries.
He said it was also in view of the upcoming Hari Raya Haji celebration, expected to fall on June 29.
“It’s not a flip-flop. The previous decision was based on existing processes. But I was asked to review it as it would burden the rakyat. And with Hari Raya Haji nearing, we (decided to) help the rakyat.
“Even if it is a flip-flop, I don’t mind doing it if it is to help the rakyat.”
Anwar stood by his claim that there were parts of the Covid-19 vaccine procurement that were signed off without the agreement of the attorney-general’s chambers (AGC).
“There was some truth (in what I) said. There are some (parts of the procurement) that were referred to the AGC,” he said, insisting there were other parts that the AGC was not consulted on.
Yesterday, Radzi Jidin (PN-Putrajaya) said the white paper disproved Anwar’s claim as it stated that Covid-19 vaccine procurements were brought to the AGC’s attention.
No compromises with Malaysia’s sovereignty
Anwar said Malaysia’s sovereignty will never be compromised in any negotiations over territorial disputes. However, he said, asserting Malaysia’s sovereignty does not need to come at the cost of damaging diplomatic ties.
He said he agreed with the call by Muhyiddin Yassin (PN-Pagoh) for a comprehensive agreement that would put an end to all of the border disputes between Malaysia and Indonesia.
He also reiterated that direct negotiations for government projects were no longer allowed in order to prevent corruption and embezzlement of public funds.
Instead, he said, Putrajaya came up with limited tenders to ensure projects do not take too long to complete.
Anwar said the government had given the authority to the Sabah and Sarawak state governments to decide on projects worth up to RM50 million, and the district offices for minor projects.
We are live on Telegram, subscribe here for breaking news and the latest announcements.