ALOR STAR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on government agencies and political parties to cease installing billboards of him and the Madani concept throughout the country.
He said this is because he was never consulted over the matter and that he believed such billboards did not guarantee support for his administration.
Instead, Anwar insisted that having sound government policies and reaching out to the people were proven to be more effective in gaining support.
“I have neither consented nor approved these plans (for billboards),” Anwar told reporters after attending the unity government’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at Hotel Raia, here, this afternoon.
According to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, some 25,000 people attended the event from 10am until 2pm today.
Anwar said that upon consulting with the relevant authorities, he was notified that the plan to set up the billboards was done using public funds, which was made available after the change of government last November.
“I would rather have such allocations used for other purposes. I have directed future installations be stopped immediately.”
Earlier, Anwar received an overwhelming response from open house visitors, prompting the increase of security personnel.
Addressing the crowd of visitors, Anwar said the unity government wants to find a fresh approach to resolving the problems of the people. Anwar also said that Kedah had become a focus for the government in terms of developing and improving the economy.
“The huge allocation, we have given, does not include other aid such as assistance for schools and clinics and also several water supply projects in certain districts,” he said.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin said the federal government had allocated RM1.6 billion to aid Kedah in spurring local development projects and improving the quality of living for the people.
He also thanked Sultan of Kedah Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah for gracing the event that was also attended by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
“Sanusi displayed (political) maturity in attending the event although he is from the opposition.”
Also present were deputy prime ministers Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming, and several other cabinet members including Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar. – The Vibes, April 29, 2023.
