THE government was looking into ways to attract skilled Malaysians to return and contribute to the country to address its brain drain, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said ministries including the International Trade and Industry Ministry, Economy Ministry and Higher Education Ministry were engaging those who could contribute to return and be placed in specific areas of competence.

“Top scholars, top economists, top accountants are leaving (the country) or have left, so now we have to make sure that we have a system that can encourage them to come back due to the incentives,” he said during a dinner with Malaysian diaspora and students in New York today.

Anwar, who arrived in the city on Wednesday, earlier delivered Malaysia’s National Statement at the United Nations General Assembly.

He said the government has set up a committee to review civil servants’ salary scheme, but any restructuring would be based on the country’s financial position.

“What I have inherited is RM1.5 trillion in debt and a 5.6% deficit, which means if I’m a responsible leader, I have to gradually reduce the debt.

“...and if we are responsible in terms of prudent economic policy, then we will have to reduce the deficit, from 5.6% last year to 5.3% this year, and hope to reach 5% in 2024,” he said.

On the question of dual citizenship, Anwar said the matter will be discussed by assessing its implications as it would involve major policy decisions.

“The foreign minister and home minister will put up a paper and discuss its implications. For now, we are not in favour, but since there were requests, we’ll at least look at it and see whether we need to adjust (the law),” he said.

Anwar was asked if there was a possibility for the government to allow dual citizenship to encourage Malaysian professionals living abroad to contribute to the country’s development without having to choose between two nations. – Bernama, September 23, 2023.