PUTRAJAYA: All programmes and projects for the people, including those aimed at eradicating hardcore poverty and implementing flood mitigation measures, must be expedited, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said these issues need to be resolved immediately, without delay.
"I agree that in discussions, we should revise all of them.
"If floods are claiming lives and destroying property, there is no need to wait up to six years to complete a mitigation project," he said at the Prime Minister's Department monthly assembly.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
Anwar said all secretaries-general should thoroughly review ongoing projects, adding that failing to do so could leave their successors revisiting the same flood projects upon taking office.
"For example, Phase 1 of the Rantau Panjang (Kelantan) flood mitigation project has been completed, but Phase 2 is scheduled for 2026, and Phase 3 for 2029.
"This means the people of Rantau Panjang will have to wait 15 years for its completion," he said.
If the government needs to borrow or reallocate funds from other areas to expedite these projects, it will do so, he said.
"Let us not raise concerns about the capabilities of state governments.
"I don't want to hear that.
"All I know is that the work must be completed.
"Cooperation and change (in timeline) will certainly involve substantial financial allocations, but if necessary, we will cut (take) the budget from other areas," he said.
While acknowledging that adjusting project timeline would require additional financial resources, Anwar said it was crucial to address fundamental issues impacting the people.
"We must address the fundamental issues affecting the people.
"That is why we prioritise education, healthcare and public safety.
"How can we think this way? We need to sit down, engage in thorough discussions, and go to the ground to understand the challenges people are facing.
"I hope this issue will receive the attention it deserves," he said.