PM Anwar Slams Critics Calling Budget 2027 Hypocritical, Reaffirms Commitment To Islamic Development

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 28 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has strongly defended Budget 2027 against political detractor criticism, emphasizing that the national financial plan actively promotes Islam through targeted support for traditional pondok religious schools and consultation with Islamic scholars.

Speaking at the Majlis Ilmu MADANI event held at Kompleks Seri Perdana on Wednesday evening, October 28, 2026, Anwar expressed frustration over opposition remarks labeling the government and Budget 2027 leadership as “hypocritical.”

“When formulating Budget 2027, we asked what more could be done for Islam and what else could be added. In the past, we neglected pondok institutions and pesantren, but now we are rebuilding them. In the past, we sidelined the syeikhs, religious teachers and tuan-tuan guru, but now we invite them and seek their views,” the Prime Minister stated.

The event featured prominent Indonesian Islamic preacher Ustaz Dr Abdul Somad Batubara as a special guest speaker alongside Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan and Weststar Group founder Tan Sri Dr Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim.

Anwar acknowledged his personal irritation with the parliamentary insult but noted he chose patience over retaliation, calling the name-calling indicative of broader conduct issues among political critics.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul had previously ordered Kota Bharu MP Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN) to retract the unparliamentary word “hypocrite” during the Supply Bill 2027 debate.

Budget Provisions for Islamic Institutions and Dialogue with Preachers

Key highlights from the Prime Minister’s address include:

• Revitalizing Religious Institutions: Budget 2027 allocates dedicated resources to rebuild and modernize traditional pondok institutions and pesantren boarding schools nationwide.
• Consultation with Religious Leadership: Formulation of national economic policies involved formal advisory sessions with Islamic scholars, syeikhs, and religious educators.
• Response to Parliamentary Criticism: Anwar addressed parliamentary insults directly, remarking that those professing Islamic values must uphold moderation, tolerance, and moral conduct rather than engaging in slander.
• Engagement with Ustaz Abdul Somad: The Prime Minister welcomed constructive criticism and governance advice from Ustaz Abdul Somad Batubara, affirming the government’s openness to advice from religious figures.

–NMT