PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants a reevaluation of government funding for the poor to ensure that aid is managed according to procedures.
He cited an example of some agencies aimed at eradicating poverty, but allocating 80 per cent of their funds for management costs.
"Recently, there have been agencies focused on vulnerable groups.
"However, each time there is an event abroad, a significant amount is spent.
"This is why we are taking a strong stance on this issue… because it is a culture of wrongdoing, not following rules," he said in a speech at the National Symposium to End Poverty here.
Also present were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, Public Service Department (PSD) director-general Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz and Bandar Tun Razak member of parliament, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Anwar called for frequent monitoring, while describing the current procedure as "blatantly biased and unjust" due to the misuse of funds.
Anwar hoped that government funding issues would be seriously addressed at any seminars or in discussions.
But he added that the allocation for departments and agencies that were mismanaging funds was often overlooked in discussions.
"Otherwise, whenever we meet, there are (always) requests for more funding. Tell me which country can provide additional funding for this?
"This is why we need to combat corruption... It is not something to be taken lightly.
"If you are concerned about values and akhlak, if you care about poverty and inequality, and it seems the issue of governance is treated 'lightly', (but without proper governance), it will not lead to effective solutions," he said.
He said Malaysia was one of the top countries that had allocated huge amounts of funds to eradicate poverty.
"We need to look at the picture as a whole… Where do we get the funds from? How do we distribute them? How much are the management fees?
"What is the rationale behind an agency established to help eradicate poverty, yet paying such high management salaries, allowances and first-class travel around the world?" he said.