Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today his government has demonstrated its commitment to transparency and accountability by devolving more powers to Parliament.
He said this included the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2023, which requires the finance minister to present economic growth projections and debt-reduction plans for parliamentary approval, reported Bernama.
“Which government is willing to hand over its powers to Parliament?
“If the finance minister announces a policy and Parliament does not approve it, the minister must retable it to ensure the government’s policies are carried out responsibly,” Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said at the launch of the Negeri Sembilan edition of the Madani Rakyat Programme 2025 in Nilai today.
The Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act, passed by Parliament in 2023 and enforced on Jan 1, 2024, aims to strengthen accountability, governance and transparency in managing public finances and fiscal risks.
Anwar also cited the tabling of the Government Procurement Bill, now being debated in the Dewan Rakyat, as further proof of the government’s commitment to transparency.
He said that except for national security purchases, all government procurement, either at the federal, state or local level, must follow clear procedures and tender processes.
“The previous government did not dare to do this,” he said.
