KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s national debt has reached RM1.5 trillion (US$350 billion) and immediate action must be taken to address the issue, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Tuesday (Jan 17).

He said the figure, which includes liabilities, has already exceeded 80 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) and that this has a direct impact on the economy.

He was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times that the figure also suggests that the country’s budget deficit will widen further than the earlier estimate of 5.8 per cent of the GDP for 2022.

“The problem with our debt is it has already touched RM1.2 trillion and if liabilities are included, the debt is RM1.5 trillion,” said Mr Anwar at the 2023 Budget Dialogue at the finance ministry.

In 2018, then-prime minister Mahathir Mohamad revealed that the country was saddled with more than RM1 trillion in debt following the…

SINGAPORE — Yesterday (24 Nov 2022), the Malaysia King finally announced that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would become Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister. Mr Anwar was sworn in at 5 pm in the late afternoon yesterday.

Datuk Seri Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin, Comptroller of the Royal Household of Istana Negara said the appointment of Mr Anwar, Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, was made in accordance with Article 40(2)(a) and Article 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution.

The King urged all the Members of the Parliament of Malaysia to join hands for the country’s future.

Anwar has reiterated that he would give up his entire prime minister's salary so as to show solidarity with the people during these tough economic times.

At a rally, Anwar said he was taking the initiative because he felt ashamed to learn that the common folk were struggling with soaring prices while their salaries remained the same.