[UPDATED] Joyous homecoming: Anwar graces Penang’s Chinese New Year celebration

GEORGE TOWN – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made a jubilant return to his home state of Penang when he attended the state government’s Lunar New Year celebrations at the Setia Spice Arena.

The prime minister received a warm welcome from a crowd brimming with enthusiasm, with many surging forward to meet him.

The Cherok To’ Kun-born leader will also grace a mega community dinner at Bukit Mertajam later.

He will also visit Permatang Pauh, which is regarded as the “spiritual home” of PKR, the party he leads.

His daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar, lost the seat to Penang PAS Youth head Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan in the last general election.

In his speech, Anwar slammed the act of using handouts as a disguise for giving out cash inducements during an election.

He said such acts cannot be condoned as no matter what the terms used, the practice is still a form of corruption.

“Enough of this. Before, (they said that) commissions are okay, and now (they say) handouts are fine (during an election). It is corruption,” said the finance minister and current Tambun MP.

To revitalise the economy, Anwar said, the country cannot tolerate corruption.

Touching on his concept of “madani” (civil society) for the nation, Anwar said that he wants to see more humanity-based elements in the country.

“Caring and compassion are virtues we need to focus on to fight the efforts to radicalise or to bring racialism among us,” said the ex-Permatang Pauh MP. 

Anwar said that it is meaningless to enjoy wealth when there are sections of the communities left in an abject condition.

The country’s development would be disrupted if there are large sections such as B40 groups left behind in the nation-building agenda.

Humanity is more important than wealth or social status, especially if the development rate is uneven, said Anwar. – The Vibes, January 23, 2023