Nearly three hours standing, Anwar only sips water once during 2025 Budget tabling

KUALA LUMPUR - Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim displayed extraordinary stamina as he only took a sip of water once while tabling the 2025 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat here on Friday.

The 77-year-old Tambun MP took about two and a half hours to present the 138-page budget.

He was seen sitting briefly to drink water before continuing his presentation smoothly until completion.

Anwar, who is also the Prime Minister, presented the budget in front of the Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat Datuk Dr Ramli Mohd Nor that was broadcast live via local television stations and the Parliament's YouTube channel.

The 2025 Budget is the third budget presented under the Madani Government led by Anwar and the last under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025) before transitioning to the 13th Malaysia Plan for the next five years.

The government has allocated RM421 billion for the 2025 Budget, the highest ever presented, which includes RM335 billion for operational expenses, RM86 billion for development, and RM2 billion for contingency savings.

In terms style, Anwar dressed in a grey baju melayu outfit complete with a sampin. He arrived at the Parliament lobby at 4pm accompanied by Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan and Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying.

He also continued the tradition of using locally crafted creative items to carry important Budget documents.

The bag featured artwork of songket weaving by Adiguru Rasiah Yusoff from Kampung Tikat Penambang, Kelantan, while it was designed by Chew Kai Hung from Penang, incorporating a sari combination in its inner lining.

According to the schedule on the official Parliament website, the bill will be debated at the policy level for eight days starting Oct 21, followed by a question and answer session by the ministers for four days starting Nov 6, and will continue with committee level discussions for 12 days starting Nov 13.