PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised that reform initiatives long championed by Pakatan Harapan (PH) and PKR must be carefully negotiated and executed in consultation with all parties in the Unity Government, warning that change cannot be imposed unilaterally or recklessly.
Addressing calls from some PKR members for immediate and sweeping reforms, Anwar underlined the need for prudence and coalition-wide dialogue.
“Sometimes we forget… if PKR has 30 seats, PH 82 seats, yet we speak as if we control all 222 parliamentary seats.
“We must remember, change is necessary, but it must be rational and wise, with proper discussion and deliberation among leaders of all parties,” he said during the National Reformists Gathering and Family Day 2026 at Bukit Beruntung Golf Resort today.
He acknowledged the complexities of managing a multi-party coalition, noting that each party has distinct priorities that must be balanced.
“This is not easy because each party has its own priorities, so we must steer carefully. Nevertheless, one fact is undeniable: we are resolute in driving change, rejecting corruption, malpractice, and arrogance,” he added.
Anwar, who also serves as PH chairman and PKR president, recognised the ongoing challenges of implementing reforms, particularly when ethnic sensitivities are raised.
“Concerns arise when Malays worry about Chinese issues, and some Chinese think the problem is only Chinese schools, nothing else. Some Indians think the same.
“That is why we must engage Malays, Chinese, Indians, as well as Sabah and Sarawak communities, addressing their concerns within the larger framework of Malaysia,” he explained.
He further criticised the opposition for attacking the government’s reform agenda while failing to enact reforms during their own tenure.
“I do not wish to follow the experience of those who were long-time prime ministers or ministers. When they had power, they did nothing, but when out of power, they complain every day. That is the challenge for those of us in government.
“People accustomed to corruption will not welcome us. Those who support the corrupt will not be pleased with us. People who infringe upon judicial independence will not accept decisions that come from an independent judiciary,” he said.
Anwar concluded by underscoring that reform must balance urgency with prudence, cooperation, and a commitment to Malaysia’s broader national interest, while remaining unwavering against entrenched corruption and misuse of power. - January 3, 2025
