PM ANWAR HOPEFUL 2024 WILL BE A BRIGHTER YEAR FOR THE PEOPLE

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 31 (Bernama) — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed hope that 2024 will usher in a brighter future for the people, with the Unity Government focusing on economic development to ensure their well-being.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said efforts to spur national economic growth would remain the focus of the government to ease the people’s burden in various aspects like inflation and cost of living, apart from ensuring quality education and healthcare.

In this regard, Anwar urged the Cabinet ministers, senior officers, enforcement agencies, security bodies, civil servants and the private sector to intensify efforts aimed at turning Malaysia into a great country in the region.

“As we draw the curtain on 2023, it is appropriate for me to start by giving a summary of what has been announced to the public, that our economic growth has been maintained at four per cent.

“This is among the best, but there are other blessings and successes, including the reduction of inflation to below two per cent and drop in the unemployment rate to a very low level,” he said in a video shared on his Facebook tonight.

However, he does not want to get carried away by figures and data because the real measurement lies in the people’s well-being, welfare and prosperity, and cost of living, an issue still being addressed.

The Prime Minister said there should be full focus on efforts to drive economic growth, and this called for improving governance among the leadership and civil service.

At the same time, he expressed appreciation to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Royal Malaysian Customs and Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) for discharging their duties effectively.

He said to ensure that every government policy could be implemented more effectively, old service delivery methods should be improved upon, including speeding up the approval process at every department as if they are facing security issues and emergencies.

“Only through this method can we drive the economy and make the country competitive,” he added.

In his New Year message, Anwar also said the question of unity and security for the people remains a challenge which demands priority attention, including ensuring that Federal Constitution provisions on the position of Islam, sovereignty of the Malay rulers, Bumiputera privileges and Bahasa Melayu are not disturbed.

“The spirit of unity to embrace the people of various races and religions is a core duty which cannot be denied or trivialised. If this can be achieved, we can move away from the endless cycle of petty issues,” he said.

Anwar said that throughout the year, the Unity Government had managed to work as a team due to the political stability recently achieved in the country after several years of uncertainty.

“With the benefit of the views, advice and guidance of Their Royal Highnesses the Malay rulers, especially the decision and wisdom of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, we have prevailed (overcome all challenges).

“…with strength and stability we have worked as a team and tackled basic issues for the sake of the people and country,” the Prime Minister said.

— BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 30 (Bernama) — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim fully supports the decree issued by the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah who reminded the people, especially the non-Muslims, to respect and not to interfere in matters related to Islam in the country.

Anwar also asked the non-Muslims to write to the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) if they have any concerns.

“…and to avoid any confusion, non-Muslims can write to MKI to resolve any confusion in a harmonious and civilised atmosphere,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Sultan Sharafuddin, who is the MKI chairman, made the statement yesterday in response to the call made by Beruas MP Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham for the government to include non-Muslim experts in the Special Committee to Study the Competence of the State Legislative Assembly in Enacting Islamic Laws.

In a post on the Selangor Royal Office Facebook, the Sultan said MKI is entrusted with the responsibility to oversee all matters related to the Muslim community, adding that the council comprises of experts knowledgeable in various fields, particularly those involving Islamic law and religion.

Therefore, Sultan Sharafuddin hopes that politicians, especially those who are non-Muslims, refrain from interfering in matters related to Islam.

— BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 28 (Bernama) — The cooperation between the federal and state governments is vital in dealing with flood crises, including in Kelantan, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“Alhamdulillah, the cooperation between both parties has ensured a smooth process in assisting flood victims for the well-being of the people,” he said in a post on Facebook tonight.

The prime minister said that several initiatives to combat the flood problems were announced during his visit to Pasir Mas today, including the construction of a temporary embankment for the Sungai Golok Integrated River Basin Development Project (PLSB) in Rantau Panjang worth RM6 million.

In addition, the Kelantan government agreed to expedite the land acquisition process for Phase 2 of the Sungai Golok PLSB project, while the procurement process for five new flood mitigation projects in Kelantan, valued at RM910.52 million, will commence next year.

“May all these planned initiatives be beneficial and help resolve the flood problems,” he said.

— BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 23 (Bernama) — The current political stability in the country will enable the Unity Government to fully focus on developing and expanding the country’s economy to a better level next year.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government would focus its efforts on improving domestic investments and attracting more foreign investments to further boost and expand the country’s economy.

“The focus (of the government) is on the strength of the economy, be it domestic or foreign investments, and this is related, for example, in terms of governance, ease of doing business, speed, approval and reducing bureaucracy.

“… this economic programme is linked with issues which I call MADANI country. So, our priority (next year) is to manage this country, correct, fix and improve (the economy),” he said during the Prime Minister’s dialogue session with chief editors and senior editors of the country’s electronic, print and online media here today.

Anwar said that, apart from that, the cooperation from the Unity Government Members of Parliament also indirectly helped his administration to be more organised and effective.

The Prime Minister said although the experience gained from helming the leadership for the past year can be described as challenging, he is, nonetheless, proud because the various parties in the Unity Government are seen to have given their full cooperation.

“The measure we took, be it governance, fighting corruption, setting transparent rules in procurement and MADANI programmes, economy and other programmes, didn’t seem to face any problems,” said Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister.

Besides the economy, he said the government will also ensure the mastery of Bahasa Melayu and English continues to be empowered under the country’s educational system.

“Energy transition and digital transformation require a strong paradigm shift, including what I have mentioned about mastery in Bahasa Melayu and priority to be given to English in the education system from next year,” he said.

Anwar, at the same time, also expressed concern over the orientation of outdated thinking based on narrow racial understanding as well as politicising Islamic understanding that leads to narrow-minded thinking, in addition to being quick to judge others.

“I would like to stress again that we must draw the line. Must be free to discuss, (and) explain questions on religion freely, but if we go to the extent of judging, simply labelling people ‘kafir’, that must be checked by laws and regulations,” he said.

— BERNAMA

TOKYO, Dec 18 (Bernama) — Malaysians in Japan had the opportunity to meet and greet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Malaysian diaspora high-tea event held at the Imperial Hotel here.

There were 416 attendees ranging from students to those working and residing in Japan.

Also present at the event was Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Minister of Investment Trade, and Industry (MITI) Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, who took to the stage to address the attendees first.

Anwar and wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail arrived later from the Imperial Palace where they had an audience with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

Anwar in his message to the diaspora touched on the developments back home and the need for Malaysians to change their mindest and free themselves from the racial and religious divisions that undermine unity. 

“Stop racial and religious enmity and use race and religion to strengthen relationships. Only then can we develop a new Malaysia that we can be proud of as an important and leading country in our region,” he said.

The prime minister was also asked on the difficulties in renewing pasports as they have to come to the embassy in Tokyo (from other cities in Japan) and what has Malaysia done to adress climate change.

On the pasport issue Anwar replied he will look into it and that climate change is already being addressed including through the National Energy Transition Roadmap.

 To a question from a JPA (Public Service Department) sponsored postgraduate student that when they return home they see themselves overqualified and their salaries not consumerate with qualifications, Anwar said things are really not that bad back home and that the government is also looking into ways to improve wages for all.

A MARA sponsored student voiced his concern that students sent to Japan among others to learn the Japanese culture and showcase the Malaysian culture are now just going one way as many are opting to remain and work in Japan after finishing their studies.

Anwar replied that they are encouraged to work overseas especially where they can learn the Japanese work culture but should return and contribute to their country when the time comes.

Meanwhile, during the press conference following the Malaysian Diaspora high tea, Anwar said that he and Dr Wan Azizah had a memorable audience with the Japanese royals.

He shared that what was initially planned as a 20-minute audience extended longer, as the emperor showed keen interest in various aspects of Malaysia.

— BERNAMA

TOKYO, Dec 18 (Bernama) — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s working visit to Japan in conjunction with the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit has managed to attract potential investments worth RM6.56 billion.

Based on the meetings with parties there, including Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Anwar said it is clear that the Malaysia-Japan relations are now seeing a new shift in terms of investment, trade, education and technology cooperation.

“The visit to Japan has been a success to be proud of, managing to attract potential investments valued at RM6.56 billion,” he told a press conference at the end of his visit to Japan here on Monday.

Along with potential investments worth RM23 billion secured during the previous Malaysian delegation’s visit to Japan in June, it brings the cumulative potential investments from visits to the Land of the Rising Sun to RM29.56 billion.

Three Japanese corporations with investments in Malaysia, namely Rohm Wako, NEC Co Ltd and Mitsui & Co, have also conveyed their willingness to increase investments during one-on-one meetings last Saturday.

Anwar said the potential investments could be in the form of new investments or expansion of existing investments.

Asked about the sectors involved in the potential investments worth RM6.56 billion, Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, who was with Anwar at the press conference, replied that it involved the renewable energy, electrical and electronics, chemicals and digital economy sectors.

Japanese investors are now more confident in Malaysia, Anwar said, adding that he was told there were a lot of positive reviews about the country appearing in the Japanese.

Japanese companies, including small and medium enterprises, have shown very encouraging response, including Rohm Wako which has investments in Kota Bahru, Kelantan.

Anwar said he has assured the electronics company that the government will provide the necessary infrastructure to enable it to add a large second-stage investment.

“Since they have been investing there for a long time and are now waiting for the federal government’s green light for expanding their investment, I have strongly encouraged them and their request will be looked at by MITI so it can be expedited.

“They are also satisfied with the discipline and work ethics of the local workers, which represent another attraction for investors,” he said.

— BERNAMA

TOKYO, Dec 16 (Bernama) — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reassured Japanese investors that, although the new Madani government is just one year old, it is stable, with very clear policies for Malaysia to forge a strong growth path.

Anwar said this at a roundtable meeting with captains of industries in Tokyo, after a one-to-one session with three Japanese corporations.

“We have thought out on how to deal with the energy transition, including renewable energy under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the New Industrial Master Plan which outlined what we want to achieve and our mission,” he said.

He added that the country is also focusing on digital transformation.

“I’m here to listen to your views, on what needs to be done to facilitate or even accelerate the process of engagement and investments,” the prime minister said.

Anwar, who is on a five-day visit to Japan, said he was impressed by the show of support for Malaysia during the roundtable, which saw the participation of 25 companies.

Participants include Masaya Hasegawa, founder of Shinzen Energy; Kunio Yamada, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Rohto Pharmaceutical; Hidehiro Yokoo, senior executive officer of Denso Corporation; Takeshi Saito, president of ENEOS Holdings and Nobuhiko Murakami, chairman of Toyota Tsusho Corporation, among others.

Earlier on, the prime minister met with top executives of three leading Japanese multinational companies, ROHM WAKO Co. Ltd, led by its chairman Datuk Yoshioka Yosuke; NEC Co. Ltd led by senior vice-president Matsuki Toshiya; and Mitsui & Co. president and CEO Kenichi Hori.

Anwar was accompanied by Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz and Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

During the meeting, he assured the participants that there are still many opportunities for Japanese investors in Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Tengku Zafrul, in his opening remarks at the roundtable, noted that the event underscored Malaysia’s commitment to laying down a stronger foundation for economic and bilateral relations for the future.

He also pointed to the newly set up Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre that began its operations on Dec 1 as a one-stop centre for investors to do business in Malaysia.

Anwar also thanked the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Alumni Society of Malaysia for helping to arrange today’s meetings and the roundtable session that provided the opportunity for Japanese captains of industries to interact directly with the prime minister.

Japan has been Malaysia’s fourth-largest trading partner since 2015.

In 2022, trade with Japan was valued at RM181.51 billion (US$41.21 billion) or 6.4 per cent of Malaysia’s total trade.

As of June 2023, a total of 2,778 projects by Japanese companies have been implemented in Malaysia, with investments amounting to RM91.89 billion (US$27.43 billion).

— BERNAMA