'I did not order giant Madani govt billboards to be put up' - Anwar

ALOR SETAR - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed for the installation of giant billboards showcasing the Madani government in all states to stop.

This, he said was because the government funds should not be used for the billboards.

However, he said he was informed by the Information Department (JaPen) that the current installation of the billboards were made using the previous allocation.

"I don't want government funds to be used for large billboards. The existing billboards are sufficient, the other installation works need to stop," he said in a press conference at the Malaysia Madani Aidilfitri open house today.

Anwar said the installation of the billboards did not get his approval.

"I was only informed about the Madani billboards with my face on it all over the country when I was on my way here, I did not approve it.

"I told them there is no need to spend money for that purpose and the department said they used the old allocation, and since there was a change of government and Prime Minister, the allocation was carried forward," he added.

Anwar said the allocation should be used for other matters which were more important.

"I believe that the allocation can be used for other things, so I have instructed for all the new billboards' installation to be stopped and only the existing ones can remain. I don't want more billboards, this is to show the Madani government's stance," he said.

However, Anwar did not blame anyone involved as they were only continuing to carry out the existing policy.