KLANG: For almost two years since he became Prime Minister in 2022, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been having meals with the public at hawker stalls and eateries on Fridays.
And he intends to continue with the practice until the end of his term to understand the needs of the people.
Anwar said many had invited him for lunch at five-star hotels, but he decided to eat at stalls before Friday prayers so he could remain connected with regular Malaysians.
“I want to listen to their problems, learn how much their rent is, what are their hawker amenities, what are the prices of goods? After listening to them, I will try to solve their issues to the best of my ability.
“This is my practice every week – to eat at stalls with the people to listen to them,” said Anwar during a meet-and-greet session with West Ports Malaysia Bhd employees yesterday.
He then took a swipe at “seasonal politicians” who only show up during election periods.
“Many leaders choose to go to hawker stalls only during elections and that’s when you will see them hugging and kissing children. “But not me. This is the Madani government and God-willing, I will eat at hawker stalls every week for the next three years,” he added.
Meanwhile, Anwar said he remains unfazed by years of insults and slanderous accusations, asserting that he has “moved on” and will instead prioritise the welfare of the nation.
He said he had been called many names, such as being mocked as a former prisoner during the Mahkota by-election campaign and a “Jewish agent”.
“I was also accused of sleeping with both women and men. The only thing they haven’t accused me of is sleeping with a cow,” he said, drawing laughter from the crowd.
“You can insult me, because it has no meaning to me. But, please be civil,” he said.
Anwar also said the Opposition had brought up his past criminal charges against him, calling him an ex-convict, in attempts to undermine his credibility.
He also clarified that recent action taken against some big names was not done out of spite.
“We have warned them for a year – don’t steal and don’t take bribes. Otherwise, we will come after you.
“Some say action cannot be taken against a Tun or Tan Sri and tycoons, but do I care?” said Anwar.
He also said some unnamed top leaders were kicking up a fuss when they were told to declare their assets.
“Some claim they are being persecuted. But when I was in prison for more than 10 years, I never brought it up. Now, those who are asked to declare assets are making such a big fuss.
“I just want to look after Malaysia, so our country becomes great again,” said Anwar.
On Thursday, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) denied claims that Anwar instructed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, his sons and former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin.
According to a Bloomberg report, the PMO also denied instructing MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki not to investigate share purchases by Anwar’s former political secretary Farhash Wafa Salvador.
“The Prime Minister’s Office affirms that the Prime Minister has never issued directives or interfered in MACC investigations. The MACC operates as an independent body,” the PMO was quoted as saying.
The Bloomberg report claimed Anwar, who became prime minister in November 2022, had reasons to target his political opponents who oppressed him for years.
It noted that Dr Mahathir had sacked Anwar as finance minister and deputy prime minister, and expelled him from the party in 1998, before Anwar was arrested and imprisoned for years.
