KUALA LUMPUR: The Finance Ministry's winding-up session on the debate of the 2024 Supply Bill saw members of parliament erupting in laughter when the name "Mahathir" was mentioned by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, touched on the use of "maha kaya" (ultra rich) which was criticised by some of the MPs when debating the bill.
"They said it is not right. But, how about 'mahasiswa' (varsity students), boleh pulak (why is it allowed)?
"Then, there is... Maha... thir," he said and laughter broke out in the august house.
"Because you said cannot use it (the word maha), only for Allah, paling suci (the most holy).
"...or maha mulia, for the King. But, how about mahasiswa (varsity students), mahaguru (master) or mahawangsa?"
Earlier, Anwar said he was not against the ultra rich, but the group should not benefit from subsidies.
"The maha kaya, this category should not get 'sedekah' or enjoy subsidies.
"We are not angry because they are rich, but they also benefited from diesel, cooking oil and chicken subsidies," he said.