Despite facing criticism, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) remains determined to eradicate hardcore poverty and corruption in Malaysia, which he believes are deeply rooted in the country’s system. In his capacity as Finance Minister, Anwar affirmed his commitment to end hardcore poverty by the end of this year, dismissing his critics and emphasizing the urgency of addressing the dire socio-economic situation.
Anwar expressed discomfort with the prevalence of poverty in Malaysia, where some families struggle to afford basic necessities such as milk and school uniforms for their children. He criticized fellow politicians for prioritizing power struggles instead of taking concrete actions to alleviate poverty. According to government data, approximately 136,000 households in Malaysia are classified as living in hardcore poverty, further emphasizing the need to address this issue urgently.
During his speech at the Penang Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Gathering 2023, themed “Madani Entrepreneurs Developing Economy,” Anwar emphasized the importance of collaboration between the federal and state governments in implementing measures to combat poverty effectively. He commended the efforts of the Penang state government, particularly Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, in reducing the rate of hardcore poverty, making it the lowest in the country.
In addition to his focus on ending poverty, Anwar also highlighted the need to tackle corruption within Malaysia. He acknowledged the existence of long-standing corrupt practices involving influential individuals and stressed the detrimental impact of allowing such practices to persist. Anwar firmly believes that harnessing Malaysia’s abundant natural resources becomes increasingly challenging if corruption remains unchecked.
Responding to claims by PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan about an alleged “Perikatan Nasional wave” sweeping the six state elections, Anwar dismissed the statement as mere political rhetoric. As the Pakatan Harapan chairman, Anwar expressed confidence in his coalition’s support based on the positive reception he has received on his visits to the grassroots level. He believes that Malaysian voters will ultimately opt for political stability and reject extreme ideologies.
Anwar’s comments came after the launch of the 16th National Economic Conference, where he reiterated his role as the president of the People’s Justice Party (PKR). When asked about Takiyuddin’s statement suggesting the imminent downfall of the unity government, Anwar remained unfazed, emphasizing the overwhelming support he has witnessed among the people during his visits to various states, including Kedah.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
