[UPDATED] M’sians deserve responsible, democratic, accountable govt: Anwar

BANGKOK – Malaysians deserve an administration that is well governed, responsible and holds the principle of democratic accountability to heart, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to the Malaysian diaspora in Thailand today.

The prime minister explained that this is the core value of the Madani community that Anwar has been espousing all this while, adding that the nation must reject mediocre leaders and those who abuse religion, race and even region to win votes.

“What I said just now, regarding good governance and a multiracial society filled with compassion – why are we quarrelling about race? How can one talk about Islam, Christianity, Buddhism when you have no compassion? This (lack of compassion) is not religion,” he said

“And I’m not crafting something new, compassion is the core tenet of many religions. Be a good Muslim, a good Christian, and a good Buddhist without denigrating one another. For this country, for Malaysia, I believe the country and the rakyat deserve better. 

“And now that we have a chance, whatever they may say against me and my colleagues, one thing I would never compromise, we are here to make sure Malaysia is governed well, (there’s) responsibility for all Malaysians and democratic accountability. That is what Madani is about for Malaysians.”

He also pointed out that mediocre leaders will not be tolerated under his administration, adding that these individuals generally remain in power through abuses of power and corruption.

Anwar, who is on his first official visit to Thailand also stressed that one of his objectives is to resolve issues facing both nations while improving bilateral relations as well as looking into economic and investment opportunities.

Among the targeted industries that the Tambun MP will be focussing on will be food security as well as the energy sector.

He added that even though Malaysia has achieved a lot in the rubber and palm oil industries, it still has to play catch up with Thailand.

“Any differences between us should be resolved as soon as possible but our (main) focus is on the economy. Thailand has certain sectors that outperform us. Their food security is better. Even though we excel when it comes to rubber and palm oil but in terms of food, we are far behind.

“There are other sectors that Thailand shines in when compared to us including IT, transportation and energy. They are more developed and we must benefit from this. This is why I am keen on enhancing the bilateral relations that will benefit both countries,” said Anwar.

Coalition government stable 

The Tambun MP also gave assurances that the coalition government, or the “unholy alliance” as he joked with diaspora, is definitely stable although there are speculations against it.

He said that the three main parties of the coalition – Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional and Gabungan Parti Sarawak – meet frequently to resolve issues facing the country, as well as the smaller parties in the alliance.

“And it is unprecedented that the prime minister delegates most cabinet committees to the deputy prime ministers, they report to me and then the cabinet has the final say but this shows that the forging of this alliance can be cemented.

“Why do I stress this? It doesn’t stop others from speculating that there might be another Sheraton Move, Ritz Carlton Move and the St Regis Move or whatever… It seems that the standard is becoming higher.

“The final say is the Istana Move, where I have the advantage. With that support, we should focus on our work and our priorities,” said Anwar.

I have Azizah, don’t need Thai wife

The prime minister also joked with the Malaysian diaspora, bantering with them that there are many Malaysians in the country who have been here for so long that they have married a local.

“Of course, before coming here, I have to know all the personalities, companies serving Thailand. This (their success) is beyond what I thought because they have been impeccable, impressive records, people working and investing and they have done well.

“Some have done so well, they got Thai wives. It’s not a problem, I won’t compete with them because I have Azizah here. 

“Zambry’s wife is also here. But Saifuddin and Nik Nazmi came alone,” said Anwar referring to the cabinet ministers who are part of his delegation, namely Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution and Energy and Natural Resources Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. – The Vibes, February 9, 2023