Anwar said it was unreasonable to accuse the government of not doing anything, given the reformative steps it has taken in fighting corruption and improving governance.
He also said the opposition-ruled states have seen development through the government’s initiatives, such as early aid for Kedah’s five-season padi planting project, and flood mitigation measures in Kelantan.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, lambasted leaders who quote the Quran and use religion to criticise the government’s efforts.
“To criticise (and say) as if lies have been told and nothing has been done … that is a falsehood, even more so when one uses religion.
“If you want to criticise or debate, it must be based on facts. Don’t attack recklessly without looking at numbers and facts,” he said when tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in the Dewan Negara today
On Aug 21, the Dewan Rakyat approved the motion on the 13MP, representing an allocation of RM611 billion for various initiatives.
Anwar said Putrajaya will continue to close the developmental gap for six underdeveloped states – Perlis, Kedah, Terengganu, Kelantan, Sabah and Sarawak.
He also said the Kedah government has seemingly closed its eyes to the RM1 billion in early aid given for its five-season padi planting project.
In Kelantan, he said, the government has also completed the first phase of flood mitigation efforts and reached an accord with Thailand’s government for the expansion of Sungai Golok.
“Sometimes, they do not see these things. They do not say thank you even once.
“I don’t understand when they sometimes say there have been no allocations. I saw for myself that the first phase of the (flood mitigation) project is done,” he said.
Anwar said Kedah has received an allocation of RM2.13 billion, Kelantan RM3.12 billion, Terengganu RM1.84 billion and Perlis RM0.61 billion for the development of basic infrastructure, including roads, and supplies of clean water, electricity and internet.
“These efforts enable citizens to undertake economic activities and improve their standards of living,” he said.