KUALA LUMPUR: Whenever Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim appears during official events or political programmes, the prime minister will always demonstrate his linguistic prowess by incorporating classical texts in his speeches, leaving a lasting impression among the people.
Today was no exception when Anwar, who is also the finance minister, quoted the words of philosophers when he tabled the 2024 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat.
His speech on the national budget, which was more than two hours long, was filled with references to Chinese and Tamil classical poetry.
Among them included quotes from Chinese Confucian philosopher Mencius, who is also known as Mengzi or, famously in China, as "Master Meng".
"Chinese philosopher Mengzi outlined four main pillars as the foundation of moral strength. They are 'Ren' which represents righteousness, 'Yi' (proprietary), 'Zhi' (wisdom) and 'Li' (customs).
"These are the inner strengths that will strengthen the efforts of this government to carry out reforms in order to put an end to the woes enveloping the people, eradicate systematic corrupt practices, reducing bureaucracy to ensure speedy implementation of projects for the public as well as to nurture political stability," the prime minister said.
Anwar proceeded to quote an excerpt of a classic Tamil text, Thirukkural, when he emphasised the importance of elevating the quality of life of the people in the country.
"Lyatralum Eettalum Kaatthalum Kaattha Vaguthalum Vallathu Arasu," he said.
Loosely translated, this means: "Anyone with the capability of generating wealth from various sources of income should channel it to a central place, safeguard the accumulated wealth and manage in its expenditure of the accumulated wealth a proper manner is the King."
Anwar said the income generated by the federal government through the restructuring of the economy and fiscal policy of the country would be exhausted wisely to improve the livelihood of the people.
"Emphasis will continue to be given to provide direct cash assistance to the needy, apart from providing education, health and basic infrastructure to all," he said.
Earlier, Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat that the 2024 Budget, with an allocation of RM393.8 billion, is the biggest funding yet to date by the federal government.