Don't Threaten Or Betray Unity Government - PM Anwar

JOHOR BAHRU, May 17 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today warned all quarters against attempting to threaten or undermine the stability of the Unity Government.

He said should such a situation arise, he is prepared to return the mandate to the people if challenged.

Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, said although the coalition adopts a prudent and conciliatory approach in political negotiations, it should not be misconstrued as a sign of weakness.

“I want to send a clear message today. We have struggled for decades based on principles. We take a wise approach, negotiate properly, and refrain from openly rebuking or scolding them because we understand the meaning of bil hikmah (with wisdom).

“But do not misread it. Do not misunderstand. Do not threaten and do not take any action towards betrayal,” he said when speaking at the PH Convention here today.

Also present were DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

He described the readiness as proof of the coalition’s courage, built on long-standing principles of struggle rather than personal interests or the pursuit of power.

Anwar said the PH leadership, comprising PKR, Amanah and DAP, remains intact and is not easily influenced by any attempt to incite internal betrayal.

“Throughout the three years of the MADANI Government, we have never incited intentions to betray our friends. We listen, make adjustments and move cautiously because we want this government to remain stable and the country peaceful — politics must be stable, the country must remain peaceful,” he said.

The Prime Minister also criticised the attitude of certain parties whom he described as apologetic and only daring to target minor issues while remaining silent on major looters who plundered the nation’s wealth.

He said the MADANI Government under his leadership would not compromise on corruption, particularly involving elites and high-ranking individuals, including those bearing the titles Tun and Tan Sri, who were alleged to have abused their positions to amass the people’s wealth.

“This is a team in the Cabinet that works. Not a team that loots wealth. The core issue of reform is that we detest oppression and those who use public office to amass billions in wealth. We have stopped this practice among the leadership,” he said.

Touching on the government’s performance, Anwar urged PH members and supporters not to remain defensive, but instead to step forward and defend the country’s increasingly strong economic achievements.

He said among the key achievements were the projected first-quarter Gross Domestic Product growth of 5.4 per cent this year, the highest investment in history, low unemployment and inflation rates, as well as the highest salary increase for civil servants in the country’s history.

“These figures must be understood because if they are not explained, people are more likely to focus on small problems and forget the bigger picture we are building. We have set conditions that performance must be good, and we must not let the people wait too long for services. This is what we constantly monitor,” he said.

-- BERNAMA