Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says national unity, institutional reform and fighting graft are key to Malaysia becoming a great nation in the region
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has warned against underestimating the need for national unity and political stability.
He said these are the foundations enabling the government’s reform agenda.
Speaking at a monthly assembly, Anwar said the country’s current peace is a result of cooperation within the Unity Government.
“Do not underestimate or belittle the need to unite,” he stated.
He expressed confidence that Malaysia is on track to become a great nation in the region within the next one to two years.
This progress, he said, stems from public confidence and a strong civil service.
Anwar urged the public not to be swayed by divisive racial and religious polemics.
He stressed that Malaysia’s plural society is a long-standing reality of nation-building.
He firmly rejected claims that Islam is being marginalised in the country.
Anwar affirmed that Islam remains the religion of the Federation as per the Federal Constitution.
However, he cautioned that Malay and Bumiputera principles must not be applied in ways that marginalise other citizens.
He called for mature thinking to counter divisive rhetoric.
The Prime Minister reiterated his uncompromising stance on combating corruption across all sectors.
This includes politicians, civil servants, and security personnel.
“When we are in power, that is the time to cleanse this country of the toxic culture of corruption,” he asserted.
He pledged full support for enforcement agencies like the MACC.
He reminded all agencies that firm action must always be grounded in the rule of law.
Anwar also outlined key institutional reforms for the upcoming parliamentary session.
These include a bill to separate the powers of the Public Prosecutor and the Attorney General.
The government also proposes limiting the tenure of top posts, including the Prime Minister, to a maximum of 10 years.
An Ombudsman Bill will be tabled to act as a check-and-balance institution.
A Freedom of Information Bill will also be introduced, with exemptions for national security.
On social welfare, Anwar announced an immediate RM200 million allocation to upgrade facilities at Sekolah Agama Rakyat and Maahad Tahfiz.
Allocations will also go to SJKC and SJKT schools.
Monthly SARA aid of up to RM200 will be credited starting January 9.
The first phase of Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah payments will begin on January 20.
A one-off RM100 ‘SARA for All’ payment for citizens aged 18 and above will be disbursed on February 9.
This is in conjunction with preparations for Ramadan and Chinese New Year.
The Rahmah MADANI Sales programme will begin on January 9 to stabilise essential goods prices.
Over 23,000 sales events are planned across 600 districts.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to stabilise prices of essential goods and construction materials.
Anwar noted the government spent RM1.2 billion annually to stabilise chicken prices before the subsidy was withdrawn in 2023.
He said the government is considering relaxing import conditions if cheaper sources are available.
All measures aim to safeguard public well-being and contain the cost of living.
Anwar called on all parties to work diligently for the nation’s prosperity.
He expressed hope for continued progress through commitment to peace, strength, and unity.
