Malaysia Is Now Well Regarded Internationally- PM Anwar

ALOR GAJAH: Malaysia is now earning greater respect and positive recognition from the international community, following the country’s growing prominence and role on the global stage, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the respect was not directed at him, Cabinet ministers or representatives of any particular political party, but rather at Malaysia as a nation.

“This is not about Anwar, our ministers or party representatives, but the respect people have for Malaysia now is very encouraging, praise be to Allah,” he said while speaking at the Melaka Rumah Kita Festival in conjunction with the 16th Melaka State Election at Taman Melaka Perdana here last night.

The Pakatan Harapan (PH) Chairman said the recognition was reflected in the schedules of official visits by foreign leaders to Malaysia and the packed international meetings he would attend in the near future, including the ASEAN Summit in Manila, the Philippines.

“After two days, I will return (to Malaysia) because French President Emmanuel Macron is coming to Kuala Lumpur … then I will head back to Manila for meetings with ASEAN leaders, including (United States President) Donald Trump,” he said.

Anwar said he was subsequently scheduled to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Shenzhen, China, which would also involve a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Meanwhile, Anwar said his priority was to ensure that the country returned to the right track by placing service to the people first and ensuring that no group was left behind in development.

The Prime Minister also reminded young people not to be influenced by sentiments of hatred towards certain political parties to the extent of neglecting principles and the interests of the people.

“I came here (to campaign today) to convey our message that this country must return to the right path. I hope young people, in particular, will understand this because I have heard many young people seemingly wanting to save the Malays simply because they hate DAP,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the Federal Government, which also includes DAP, has consistently worked to ensure that the needs of various groups, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PwD), mothers who have recently given birth and children, are given attention in national planning and expenditure.

He said the government also prioritised the welfare of security personnel, including efforts to improve housing facilities for police officers, teachers and military personnel, which he noted 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 are Malays.

The Prime Minister said efforts to assist the group reflected the principle that government service should not be judged based on the race or political affiliation of a minister.

Meanwhile, Anwar reminded PH candidates contesting the 16th Melaka State Election to carry out their responsibilities sincerely, remain humble and always prioritise serving the people if given the mandate.

“We believe in their (PH candidates in the 16th Melaka State Election) capabilities, but we will continue to monitor them,” he said.

The Election Commission (EC) has set polling day for the 16th Melaka State Election for this Saturday.

BERNAMA