KUALA LUMPUR: The payment of royalties to opposition states are far higher than what is collected by the federal government, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the royalty payments paid to Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, governed by Perikatan Nasional, are now higher than previous years.
"If we were to tally them in total, it would be higher than what we (the government) collect. But sometimes, this fact is not trickled down," he said at a townhall session of the Two Year Anniversary of the Madani Government (2TM) and the the 2024 National Convention on Civil Service Reform at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday.
He said the government frequently holds meeting with state governments.
The discussions, he said, mostly involved exchanges of views from both sides, with the federal government changing its policy as per the state's needs.
He said the process of bringing change to the country requires everyone's involvement, including state governments, civil servants and private sectors in their respective capacities.
He called on all state leaders, including Menteris Besar from opposition-ruled states, to put aside political differences and ensure smooth cooperation between the federal and state governments for the benefit of the people.
He said all meetings between his government and state governments had proceeded smoothly, as discussions were conducted in a constructive manner.
"I have instructed the ministers to visit the states and hold discussions with the Menteris Besar, including those from the opposition.
"The issue of cooperation is very clear: if the state adopts a positive stance, it will make things easier; but if it is hostile, it will complicate matters."
Anwar said the assistance provided to the people, including the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) cash aid, has increased during the two years of the Madani government's administration.
Anwar said RM10 billion has been allocated for STR in addition to increased support for schools, healthcare and educational aid for children with autism.
"If we compare with previous years, the assistance for the people (this year) has increased significantly, reaching an unprecedented level.
"In terms of figures, whether it's STR, aid for the poor, Persons with Disabilities (PwD), or schoolchildren, these are among the types of assistance that have grown rapidly and have not been seen before," he said.
Anwar said that two years is too short a period to evaluate the government's overall achievements but emphasised that the country is on the right track.