ALOR GAJAH (Nov 13): Malaysia is now enjoying greater respect and a positive image internationally, reflecting the country's growing prominence and role on the global stage, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, stressed that the recognition was not directed at him, his Cabinet colleagues or any particular political party, but at Malaysia as a nation.
“This is not about Anwar, our ministers or representatives of political parties. The respect that Malaysia is receiving now is very encouraging, Alhamdulillah,” he said when speaking at the Melaka Rumah Kita Festival in conjunction with the 16th Melaka state election at Taman Melaka Perdana here on Thursday night.
The Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman said this was reflected in the busy schedule of foreign leaders visiting Malaysia and the series of international meetings he would be attending in the coming weeks, including the Asean Summit in Manila.
“Two days after returning to Malaysia, French President Emmanuel Macron will arrive in Kuala Lumpur. After that, I will head back to Manila for meetings with Asean leaders, including United States President Donald Trump,” he said.
Anwar said he was also scheduled to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meeting in Shenzhen, China, where he would meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Meanwhile, Anwar said his priority was to put the country back on the right track by placing the interests of the people first and ensuring that no group was left behind in the nation's development.
The prime minister also reminded young people not to be swayed by sentiments of hatred towards any particular party to the extent of overlooking the principles and interests of the people.
“I am here [to campaign today] to deliver the message that this country must get back on the right track. I hope young people, in particular, will understand this, because I often hear that some seem to want to ‘save the Malays’ because they hate DAP,” he said.
Anwar said the federal government, which includes DAP, had consistently worked to ensure that the needs of various groups, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, mothers who had recently given birth and children, were taken into account in national planning and expenditure.
He said the government also prioritised the welfare of security personnel, including efforts to improve housing facilities for the police, teachers and military personnel, which had received greater attention over the past few years.
Citing DAP secretary general Anthony Loke as an example, Anwar said the former transport minister had demonstrated his commitment to helping the people through various initiatives for taxi drivers, the majority of whom were Malays.
The prime minister said such efforts showed that government services should not be judged based on a minister’s race or political affiliation.
Anwar also reminded Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidates contesting the 16th Melaka state election to carry out their responsibilities sincerely, remain humble and always put the people first if given the mandate.
“We believe in their [PH candidates] capabilities, but we will continue to monitor them,” he said.
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