SUBANG, August 3 – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim criticizes Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, the former Prime Minister, for prioritizing misplaced actions during his tenure. Anwar questions the allocation of RM38 million for the renovation of the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya, considering the residence was already in a beautiful condition. In his speech at the Ceramah Arus Merah Kuning event in Subang Bestari on Saturday night, the Chairman of Pakatan Harapan (PH) expressed concerns over the allocation, stating that the funds could have been better utilized to assist the less fortunate and marginalized groups.
“Seri Perdana is like a palace. Do you know how much they spent on the renovations? RM38 million! And now, where are the Pas ulamas? Tell me, among those who can’t afford to eat, those who are unemployed, the disabled (OKU), and the impoverished, why would you choose to spend RM38 million on a house? Allahu Akbar, what kind of decision-making is this?” Anwar questioned. Anwar further challenged the youth to visit the Seri Perdana Complex and see the opulence for themselves if they still had doubts about the necessity of such an expense.
“If you (the youth) don’t have a job, and someone gives you RM1, and you curse them, what are you doing? You don’t even have a job. “RM38 million to renovate the Prime Minister’s residence that is already beautiful. Changing carpets for RM80,000, replacing paintings with other beautiful paintings, companies involved in various ways… changing lights because they are not suitable, and the cycle goes on. How much money has been spent?” Anwar added.
In a statement on September 30, 2021, Muhyiddin clarified that the RM38.5 million allocated under his administration was meant for repairing the physical damages to Seri Perdana, and not for mere modifications. He explained that after assuming office in March 2020, the Prime Minister’s Office (JPM) reported physical damages to Seri Perdana, and immediate repairs were necessary to prevent further deterioration and rising costs.
On the other hand, then-Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, stated on September 28, 2021, that the renovations to Seri Perdana were conducted with safety measures in mind, ensuring a favorable national image when welcoming foreign dignitaries.
