Anwar defends Budget 2027 and criticises hypocrite accusations
Budget 2027 Passes With Direct Focus on Islamic Education and Pondok School Funding
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim defended Budget 2027 in Putrajaya on October 28, 2026, stating that the financial plan deliberately reinforces Islamic development through specific measures to strengthen pondok religious schools nationwide. The Prime Minister criticized political opponents who labeled the Madani Government’s budget and leadership as hypocritical during parliamentary debates.
Anwar Funds Boarding Schools and Seeks Scholarly Counsel
The financial package includes targeted funding to rebuild traditional Islamic boarding schools and engage directly with religious teachers and scholars. Anwar noted that previous administrations sidelined these institutions, whereas the current administration actively seeks the counsel of traditional scholars to guide national development.
Parliamentary Dispute Over the Term ‘Munafik’
The timing of the Prime Minister’s remarks coincides with a deepening parliamentary dispute involving Perikatan Nasional chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan. Takiyuddin refused to withdraw his use of the Arabic term “munafik” or hypocrite during the budget debate, leading to calls from Jelutong MP RSN Rayer to refer the opposition lawmaker to Parliament’s Rights and Privileges Committee.
Speaker Intervenes on Contextual Link
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul previously instructed Takiyuddin to retract the remarks after the Kota Bharu MP quoted a hadith regarding the signs of a hypocrite and linked it directly to the Prime Minister’s budget speech. The Speaker noted that while the text itself did not mention Anwar, the immediate contextual link rendered the term directed at the head of government.
Takiyuddin Proposes Mediation as Privileges Committee Reviews Remarks
Takiyuddin subsequently wrote to the Speaker proposing mediation rather than withdrawing the remarks, but drew criticism from Johari for making the request public before the Speaker’s office could reply. Johari stated on October 26 that the choice of whether to refer the matter to the privileges committee rests with the committee itself, which comprises representatives from both political divides.
Broader Discussions on Religious Terminology
The debate has brought broader discussions of religious terminology and governance to the forefront of national politics. Anwar warned against the tendency of individuals with limited religious training to hastily declare fellow Muslims as infidels or hypocrites. Anwar said scholars should engage with traditional texts, known as turath, instead of resorting to public condemnation.
Ongoing Deliberations on the Supply Bill 2027
During the same parliamentary sessions, Takiyuddin also questioned the Attorney-General’s advice regarding the removal of ten Negeri Sembilan executive councillors and raised financial inquiries concerning AirAsia’s reported interactions with the government. Parliament continues its deliberations on the Supply Bill 2027 as parties dispute parliamentary language and constitutional interpretations.