RM1 trillion DEBT
STORY ON PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s finances have been violated to the extent that the nation’s debts stand at RM1 trillion, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
This has never happened during his administration, as the debts then were not more than RM300 billion, he said in his inaugural speech to more than 1,000 civil servants at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday.
“How we solve these debts depends on our efforts and mindset,” he added.
Mahathir s a i d he vi e wed Malaysia as a robust country that could weather any challenge as long a s t h e g o v e r nment a nd its administrators remained committed to democracy.
“If we hold on to the principles of a democratic nation, we can fight and take on the world. This has been proven when we fought back after our currency was attacked. We were able to overcome the challenge because we all worked together.”
He expressed hope that when the administration becomes clean, more well-known, more efficient and more advanced, the country will heal.
“But we need an efficient and trustworthy administration to achieve it,” he added.
Earlier, Mahathir called on civil servants to give their cooperation to Pakatan Harapan to assist the country recover from the “mismanagement” of the previous government.
“Please afford me the cooperation as long as I do not flout the administrative rules and laws of the country.
“There are many things that need to be studied and only necessary changes will be made for the betterment of the country.”
Mahathir said the changes may include trimming of certain civil service sectors but it cannot be revealed now as he has yet to receive full information on the matter.
In expressing gratitude for being given the opportunity to serve the country again, Mahathir said it is important for the administration to practise separation of powers to keep the country’s institutions independent.
“Only by keeping up in this manner can we ensure there is no corruption or embezzlement in the country’s administration.
“The functions of the lawmakers, enforcers of the law, and the judiciary must be separate,” he said.
“There was once a time when this country was respected but not now.
“It is our job to ensure that the country and its administration earn respect on the world stage and become successful in its nation-building endeavours,” he said.
While advising civil servants to help develop the country on its own without aid from others, Mahathir also warned them against misuse of powers as those entrusted to enforce these would be complicit with those breaking them.
“We find that many administrators, perhaps because of fear or having been bribed, have committed acts that were not good and brought losses to the country.”