PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has once again expressed his deep appreciation for the unwavering commitment of the leaders within Malaysia's Unity Government, emphasising that their dedication plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the administration.
In his remarks, Anwar, who also leads the PKR party, specifically acknowledged the leadership of UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He commended Zahid for his steadfast support and strong leadership, particularly in resisting efforts aimed at destabilising the government.
"We must recognise and value the support provided by our partners, particularly UMNO under the leadership of Ahmad Zahid, as well as GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) and GRS (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah), who have resolutely refused to entertain attempts to disrupt the harmony within the government," Bernama reported Anwar saying.
He said the complex challenges faced by UMNO, acknowledging the party's painful experiences with electoral setbacks and internal betrayal, which he described as significantly more difficult than what other parties have encountered.
“The challenges UMNO has faced are undeniably more intricate. They have experienced painful electoral defeats and betrayals that have been far more challenging than what we ourselves have undergone,” Anwar explained.
During his speech at the opening of the Selangor PKR Divisions' Annual General Meetings for the Women's Wing and Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK), Anwar urged PKR members and leaders to truly appreciate the cooperative spirit, unity, and consensus demonstrated by the leadership of the Unity Government, particularly UMNO.
In the same address, Bernama cited Anwar expressing gratitude to the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, for his decisive intervention on the Addendum Decree issue, urging all parties to respect the legal process and cease any further debate on the matter.
“The Sultan's decree effectively puts an end to the attempts by certain groups to exploit the Addendum Decree issue. His clear instruction to respect the legal process is something we must all support,” Anwar said, referring to the Sultan’s directive issued during the Himpunan Pahang Bermunajat Raja Berdaulat event in Kuantan the previous night.
On the upcoming PKR elections, scheduled for May, Anwar stressed the importance of ensuring that leadership at the division level is representative of all ethnic communities, in line with the party's inclusive principles.
“I urge all members to take this into account. We must ensure that our divisions reflect the diversity of Malaysia. Some divisions may have a 20 percent Chinese and 10 percent Indian membership, while others may have none at all. This diversity should be considered in the elections, in line with the spirit of the Constitution,” Anwar said.
He also called on candidates vying for party positions to refrain from using their government positions for personal gain. Instead, he urged them to rely on their own strengths, principles, and capabilities to earn the trust of their fellow party members.
“I urge all candidates to run on their own merits and not to misuse any government position for their benefit. Let your leadership be determined by your abilities, principles, and the trust you build within the party,” Anwar added. – March 1, 2025
