The federal government, the states need to strengthen cooperation through Waad National - Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 Oct: The Federal and State Governments should strengthen close cooperation through the framework of Waad Nasional, to ensure more sustainable, equitable and balanced national development in order to reflect a broader aspect of welfare, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

He said the matter was the focus of the 150th Meeting of the Chief Ministers and the Prime Ministers chaired by him today, which discussed MADANI Budget 2027, including the requirements of the proposed Waad or covenant in the presentation of the budget as a vehicle to strengthen cooperation between the Federal government and state governments.

"In the face of global economic uncertainty, the country's economic growth forecasts and global oil price fluctuations, this budget must continue to defend its citizens, address the cost of living and take into account the priorities of each state, including border security aspects, especially in Sabah and Sarawak", the Prime Minister said on Facebook today.

Anwar who is also Finance Minister said alignment of planning and allocation based on real needs in the field, is important to ensure quality delivery of public services, infrastructure development, economic strengthening of the state and implementation of projects that directly benefit the people are given priority.

In addition to economic development aspects, the Prime Minister said that the meeting also touched on the importance of post-quantum cryptography, in strengthening data protection and digital systems of the country to counter future technological developments and cybersecurity threats.

Meanwhile, touching on concerns over the issue of cross-border smoke, Anwar said Indonesia has been asked to take immediate and effective action, to address open burning activities.

He said that the decisive step was important, given that the dust problem not only affects the health of the people, especially students and pupils, but also disrupts the smoothness of school sessions.

For the record, as of 3 pm today, 22 areas across the country recorded air pollution index (IPU) readings at unhealthy levels which saw all schools in Johor, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan shut down tomorrow (14 Oct), following the situation during the fog.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek via Facebook today said the closure also involved schools in some districts of Selangor, Pahang, Sabah and Sarawak while schools in all states and other districts will operate as usual.