KUALA LUMPUR: The government should implement its institutional reform agenda more comprehensively and transparently, said former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The Pagoh MP said this should include enforcing the law fairly and equitably, without favouritism and regardless of rank, race or political affiliation.
"In this regard, I welcome the government's firm commitment to implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Tabung Haji, which was established during my tenure as prime minister.
"I also welcome any steps to review reports of financial leakages involving institutions related to Felda and other bodies in the future," he said when debating the 2027 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat today.
On the prosecution of individuals linked to the Tabung Haji case, Muhyiddin said he hoped the principle of innocence until proven guilty would be respected.
"Give them the opportunity to defend themselves in an independent court and respect the independence of the judiciary in upholding justice," he said.
Meanwhile, Muhyiddin proposed that the government develop a five-year national blueprint to address poverty in urban and semi-urban areas.
"The National Urban Poverty Eradication Master Plan, involving agencies across ministries, should focus specifically on housing, healthcare, employment, education, skills training, social assistance and other areas that often pose challenges to the urban poor," he said.
He said the urban absolute poverty rate stood at 3.7 per cent in 2024, down from 4.5 per cent in 2022. However, relative poverty remained high at 16.7 per cent, highlighting persistent challenges related to inequality and the cost of living, including in urban areas.
"All forms of development in major urban centres such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Baru and other cities must incorporate plans to address urban poverty, with the aim of lifting the poor out of poverty permanently.
"Rapid development in major urban centres must not place greater pressure on or marginalise the poor. Specific plans must be put in place to ensure the urban poor have access to economic and educational opportunities to improve their lives and those of their families and benefit from the spillover effects of urban development," he said.
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