Anwar questions high management costs in poverty eradication efforts

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants to review the management of public funds and the approaches used by government agencies to eradicate poverty.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said there were instances where 80% of the government fund was allocated for management costs, leaving only 20% channelled to people in need.

He added that agencies were set up to help the vulnerable and the needy, but most of their allocation was spent on their management and other purposes.

“Is it reasonable for an agency formed to help the poor pay such high salaries and allowances to their management?

“Some are travelling first-class all over the world. This matter needs to be discussed,” he said in his speech at the National Symposium to End Poverty 2024 here at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) on Monday (Sept 30).

Anwar also highlighted that Malaysia was one of the top countries that had allocated considerable funds to eradicate poverty.

“How much leakage has occurred? How much money was spent on management itself? Can such a thing be avoided?” asked Anwar

The Prime Minister said that while agencies had followed all the existing procedures, he questioned if the spending was justifiable.

“We need to monitor this more strictly,” he added.

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