KEPALA BATAS: Critics may mock him, but Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated that he is determined to end the hardcore poverty and corruption that have become systemic in the country.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said critics can have their say, but he remains steadfast in his aim to end hardcore poverty by the end of this year.
“Don’t ever think that I feel comfortable as the Prime Minister when some people cannot even afford to buy milk and some mothers cannot buy school uniforms, while we (politicians) are busy squabbling over other matters and fighting for power,” he said.
He also noted that, based on government data, there are about 136,000 hardcore poverty households across the country.
It was important to have a close relationship between the federal and state governments to ensure that necessary measures can be taken to address the issue, he said in his speech at the Penang Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Gathering 2023, themed “Madani Entrepreneurs Developing Economy” here yesterday.
He also congratulated caretaker Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow for that state government’s efforts in fighting poverty, adding that it currently has the lowest rate of hardcore poverty in the country.
In his fight against corruption, Anwar said these practices had existed for a long time and no one dared to touch “powerful personalities”.
“If we allow this to continue, how can our country develop?” he asked, adding that Malaysia is rich in natural resources.
Meanwhile in BUKIT MERTAJAM, Anwar dismissed claims by PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan that the Perikatan Nasional “wave” was sweeping the six state elections.
He described it as a mere political statement.
Anwar, who is also the Pakatan Harapan chairman, said he was confident of support for his coalition based on the warm reception he received every time he went down to the ground.
“It’s okay; it’s a political statement. I was in Kedah, and the reception was exceptional. We cannot deny that.
“I am confident that the people will choose stable politics and reject extreme views,” he told reporters after the launch of the 16th National Economic Conference.
Anwar, who is also PKR president, said this when asked to comment on Takiyuddin’s statement claiming that the Perikatan wave in Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Penang, Selangor and Negri Sembilan is a clear sign that the unity government will fall.
