PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed today that he is open to receiving criticism, provided it is factual and responsibly delivered, and rejected unfounded accusations and abusive comments.
“They say we betray the country, sell the state to Donald Trump. Sometimes I am overwhelmed listening to this. Must we really work hard as Prime Minister only to be accused of selling our state to foreigners? Where is the proof?” he said during the Komuniversiti programme at Kampung Cherok Tok Kun.
Anwar also dismissed criticism from a former Thai general regarding his role in the Thailand-Cambodia peace agreement, describing the source as lacking credibility and from a party that had never won an election.
“If the opposition criticises me for unresolved poverty issues, I can accept that. But this—abuse from a former Thai general—is not sensible. My ‘friend’ is like PEJUANG, never winning elections and even losing deposits. I have no problem with criticism, but we must respond so that accurate information is conveyed,” he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted government successes, noting that RM15.5 billion has been recovered over two years through measures including anti-corruption actions, enforcement against smuggling, and dismantling illicit cartels.
“This includes recoveries by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Inland Revenue Board taxation, and rapid commercial crime operations addressing alcohol and tobacco smuggling,” he said.
Anwar also explained that cost increases for Penang’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) project stemmed from expanding the route across the sea to Seberang Perai rather than limiting it to the island, a decision he defended as strategic.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister officially launched the Seberang Perai Urban Transformation Centre (UTC), which began operations on 3 November at Penang Sentral Transport Terminal. Serving more than one million residents, the centre integrates train, bus, ferry, and taxi services, and hosts key agencies including the National Registration Department, Immigration Department, Road Transport Department, health clinics, police, Public Service Commission, and Inland Revenue Board.
The UTC also features the fourth Kiosk Sentuhan Madani nationwide, the first outside the Klang Valley, and the Public-Private Career Hub providing job seekers with career advice.
Modern facilities include an integrated smart queue system and open workspace areas, reflecting the Malaysia MADANI initiative’s goal of bringing government services closer to the people.
“UTC Seberang Perai sets a new benchmark for urban transformation centres nationwide, emphasising efficiency, comfort, and user-friendliness,” Anwar said. - November 8, 2025
