PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia has vast potential for further growth and his administration was committed to ensuring this was achieved.
"I represent an older generation, and I have high aspirations for Malaysia. I am determined to continue my service to ensure a better future for the next generation and to uplift our country's dignity.
"As someone from an older generation, I can only urge the younger generation to take actions that will elevate us to a higher level," he said.
Anwar said this in his speech at the Finance Ministry's monthly assembly here today.
In his speech, Anwar also said that he will not retreat from fulfilling his responsibilities despite criticisms levelled against him and his government.
Touching on the implementation of targeted subsidies and efforts to combat corruption, he said these efforts were crucial to strengthening the economic foundation.
He said the country's revenue had suffered for a long time due to various leakages.
He said targeted subsidies and eradication of corruption would lead to savings which would be returned to the people.
"Previously, the subsidies did not reach the targeted groups....diesel smuggling was rampant.
"We helped the fishermen, but there are those who sell the subsidised diesel to foreign fishermen.
"We know that at the petrol stations near the border, there is rampant purchase of subsidised goods for use in other countries. Isn't that a matter of concern...of course, it is," he said.
In his speech, Anwar also urged all enforcement departments across various ministries and government agencies to increase tax revenue collection in line with the country's growing economy.
He emphasised that the increase in tax revenue was crucial to enable the implementation of public infrastructure development plans.
"This includes flood mitigation and clean water facilities, which need to be implemented according to schedule.
"Investors and tourists all want to come here, but before that, we must ensure basic facilities are fixed. However, in some places, we still have problems with basic facilities.
"For example, access to clean water hasn't been resolved in Kelantan, Penang, Perak, Kedah, and Sabah.
"All of this involves high costs... flood mitigation costs billions of ringgit, and the same goes for clean water supply.
"Where will the funds come from? It must come from reasonable revenue (tax collection)," he said.
Anwar expressed hope that enforcement agencies in the country will properly collect national revenue according to the law without taking shortcuts.
He also emphasised that if leakages persist, they will invite disaster to the country.
"For instance, we work hard on targeting diesel subsidies. However, in terms of enforcement, if leaks are still ongoing, it's unfair and invites disaster to the country."