ALLEGATIONS that the federal government oppresses opposition-run state governments are baseless slander, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said despite the accusations against him on the matter, his unity government has been helping and paying attention to all states.

“The allegations are indeed untrue… The allocations (under the national budget) given to the opposition states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis and Kedah … are more than what they received during the (previous government’s) three-year administration.

“Criticism is allowed and I’m willing to adjust or make some changes after listening to views and opinions, but false allegations need to stop,” he said when tabling the Supply Bill 2023 for its second reading at the Dewan Negara in Kuala Lumpur today. 

Anwar said he is disappointed ulama and top party leaders are the ones making these allegations. 

“They said the finance minister is oppressing these states by not giving them allocations, or by delaying or reducing the allocations meant for them. These claims are not true at all, so it is my responsibility to respond.

“I’m not attacking those ulama or party leaders. I’m countering the allegations,” he said, adding that spreading lies and false information goes against the spirit of good governance. – Bernama, March 29, 2023.