ALOR STAR – The people must be wary of leaders who sow national discord by using race and religion for their own benefit, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The prime minister said the people will become victims of an impoverished economy if the nation is divided over religious and racial sentiments.
The Pakatan Harapan president also said it was time for the people to reclaim the country from those who tolerated corruption to enrich themselves.
Speaking at the Himpunan Madani Kedah event at Dataran Stargate, here, yesterday evening, Anwar said the people should look towards leaders who offer sound economic policies which can develop the country.
Anwar also urged the people not to be influenced by politicians who are deceitful, such as those who claimed he was cruel and had a tendency to waste money.
“They continue to spread slander because they think some people can be easily deceived.”
Anwar said the nation should remind politicians that the people are the masters of the country, and not the other way around.
Anwar said contrary to the slander that has been spread, he has increased federal allocation to four states, which are PAS-led Kedah, Terengganu, Kelantan, and Perlis, and this was not because he was seeking votes.
The prime minister insisted that this is because the people in the states needed help, especially because they often dealt with floods and rising costs of living.
He also said the purpose of hosting Aidilfitri open houses in the six states facing elections soon was not to fish for votes, but rather to engage the people there.
Anwar reiterated that it was not a wasteful effort for the government and that it is cheaper to host the open houses in states such as Kedah compared to Putrajaya.
“It also allows us to interact with the people in such states,” he said.
Anwar also said he wants voters to support the national unity government based on solid policies, and not due to the dishing out of free food.
On Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s appointment as deputy prime minister and Barisan Nasional’s cooperation with the unity government, Anwar said it came with certain conditions.
Among them were the assurance that Zahid would stay away from corruption and that he would prioritise the interest of the people at all costs.
Anwar also said the Rural and Regional Development Ministry led by Zahid currently practises stringent standards for tender processes.
“His legal cases are for him to personally deal with the courts that are independent of the government. We do not interfere.”
Anwar is expected to hold an open house at Hotel Raia today from 10am to noon. – The Vibes, April 29, 2023
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