00:00What else is our problem?
00:02Our problem is that the country is in debt.
00:07I know that many of my colleagues, especially those in the banking sector,
00:11are quite bored when they hear the question of debt.
00:14But that is the reality.
00:16We have a high debt,
00:19and the deficit has increased from more than 6.4% in 2020-2021,
00:29to 5.6% in 2022.
00:33And when we look at this assessment,
00:36we say that we cannot maintain such a deficit.
00:42If we look at the macroeconomic framework,
00:46reducing the deficit means no increase in income.
00:50That's a problem.
00:51Or reducing debt, but the income remains at the old level.
00:57That's also not possible.
00:58That's why, when we make a decision,
01:02in 2023,
01:05the deficit will decrease from 5.6% to 5%.
01:11This is a challenging effort.
01:14It's not easy, because the people's expectations are rising.
01:21Especially when the leader is said to be a reformist.
01:29So people say, what is reformism if we don't get the result?
01:32The result is not possible in one or two years.
01:35Because the result is in a state of a rising deficit.
01:42So we have to follow our efforts,
01:47our situation, and our ability,
01:52so as not to burden the people,
01:55especially the poor and the upper class.
01:59Whether they are poor in the city, village, or inland.
02:04So for 2024,
02:08we will reduce the deficit from 5% last year to 4.3%.
02:20Because the country must be managed properly.
02:24And I know this is not something that can be understood,
02:28understood, or supported by the people.
02:33Because the people expect direct compensation from them.
02:37They don't care whether the debt is big or not,
02:40or whether the deficit is rising or not.
02:43So if you want to be popular,
02:45what is my fault? I just take the debt.
02:48I give it.
02:49Another debt.
02:50I give it. It looks popular, but
02:52is this the attitude of a leader who is responsible?
02:56For example, when I say debt,
02:58how much debt do we pay?
03:03Pay the debt for 1MDB,
03:09compared to last year.
03:111MDB debt is Rp48 billion.
03:18Imagine if we can spend Rp48 billion for development,
03:23schools, clinics, universities,
03:27including salary deductions.
03:33This is Rp48 billion.
03:35So can I say,
03:37no, I don't care, this is an old administration.
03:40I don't care, I don't want to pay.
03:42I can't.
03:44So even though I am the Prime Minister now,
03:47I am also tied to some excessive decisions.
03:50That's why when I want to make a decision,
03:52with my colleagues,
03:54I have to think not just now,
03:56but the burden for the administration and the next generation.
04:01So from Rp100 billion last year,
04:05our budget is down to Rp86 billion.
04:09And this needs to be reduced.
04:11If we reduce the way we spend,
04:14then we can't continue with our development agenda.
04:20Universities must be developed.
04:23How many new disciplines,
04:24artificial intelligence and digitalization must be introduced.
04:29Schools must be provided with new facilities.
04:33And sometimes we have to fix toilets last year.
04:39How many school toilets?
04:40Rp8,600.
04:42It's broken.
04:43Imagine, Malaysia,
04:46a great country,
04:48toilets for our children and grandchildren,
04:51can't be used.
04:53Half of it,
04:54that's why sometimes they give it to professionals in the city.
04:57Including chartered accountants.
05:02I want to also share and appreciate
05:06the stark realities that we have to face.
05:09Can we just ignore?
05:11We cannot.
05:12But we require funds.
05:15But we start with the basic necessity,
05:17requirements of our people,
05:19which includes lavatories,
05:21which includes public housing.
05:26So I hope this must be understood.
05:30The important thing is,
05:31do we have to continue to pay debts?
05:33We cannot.
05:34We must reduce the amount of debt.
Comments