ANWAR Ibrahim has ordered an immediate stop to the installation of new billboards featuring himself and his Malaysia Madani concept using government funds.

The prime minister said he did not issue approvals for the billboards and wants the funds to be used for other things that benefit the people.

However, he said the billboards that have been put up can be maintained.

“I was on my way to Alor Setar yesterday when I was informed about the billboards. This (effort) did not get my approval and consent.

“I have already informed the relevant departments that there is no need for this, but they said this (funds) were from the previous allocation before the change of government and prime minister,” he told reporters at the Madani open house in Alor Setar today.

Anwar said the funds can be used for other purposes, and wants to avoid wastage by halting the installation of new billboards featuring himself and the Madani concept.

He said this is in line with the concept and hopes his wishes will be respected.

“The officers involved may feel like they are continuing the existing policy, and I don’t blame them. However, I was not informed about this, so I could not make any decision.

“Now that I have been informed, I don’t want government allocations to be used for giant billboards. Enough with what we already have, but this cannot continue,” he said.

In an interview with Bernama TV at the event, the prime minister said Kedah has the potential to grow with other states if it is managed well.

“Kedah is known as the rice bowl of the country. Here, we have the Kulim Hi-Tech Park. New investments and efforts to build the Sanglang port in Perlis are also ongoing, apart from the planned inland ports.

“This will boost the position of Kedah and Perlis to be on a par with more developed states with huge potential, like Penang and Perak. However, the states must be managed well, and there must be close and strong cooperation between the state and federal governments,” he said. – Bernama, April 29, 2023.