From 'waad' to 'zeitgeist', Anwar highlights words in 2027 Budget speech

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently unveiled the meanings of key words featured in his 2027 Budget speech, providing insights into concepts of governance, heritage, and intergenerational responsibility. In a Facebook post, the finance minister extended an invitation to the public to explore the definitions behind these terms.

Among the highlighted words were "waad," signifying a promise or pledge; "lighad," referring to tomorrow or the future; and "seyogia," denoting what should or ought to be done. Other terms introduced included "beranotasi," denoting additional explanatory notes; "menata," meaning to arrange or organize systematically; and "inayat," signifying help or divine grace.

Pranata, referring to a system or set of rules governing social life, and filasuf, meaning philosophers, were also among the words Anwar chose to illuminate. Anwar further highlighted "Ithaca," an ancient Greek island often associated with memories of home, history, and a sense of belonging. Other terms included "dasawarsa," meaning a period of ten years or a decade; "khulasah," referring to a summary or essence of an issue; and "turath," denoting inherited intellectual and scholarly traditions, particularly in Islamic thought.

The Prime Minister also drew attention to the expression "zaman mansang," drawing parallels to the German concept of "Zeitgeist," which encapsulates the spirit, defining characteristics, and demands of a particular era. This phrase carries a profound meaning, emphasizing the obligations and responsibilities imposed by the times upon the present generation, including the duty to act responsibly towards future generations—a principle known as intergenerational responsibility.