DON’T UNDERESTIMATE MADANI GOVT’S EFFORTS TO SAFEGUARD UNITY, STABILITY – PM ANWAR

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 5 (Bernama) -- The MADANI Government has reaffirmed its commitment to continue strengthening national unity, carrying out comprehensive institutional reforms and combating corruption without compromise, as the core pillars to ensure Malaysia emerges as a great and stable nation in the region.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the peace and stability enjoyed by the country today are a direct result of the close cooperation among all partners in the Unity Government, clearly demonstrating that the nation’s true strength lies in unity and leadership with clear direction.

“Do not underestimate or belittle the need to unite, to build strong consensus and stability, because we are able to do amazing things simply by working as a solid team; we are capable of achieving extraordinary and remarkable outcomes,” he said in his address at the monthly assembly with staff of the Prime Minister’s Department here today. 

The Prime Minister said confidence in the capabilities of the people, the strength of the civil service as the backbone of policy implementation, and the commitment of the government’s leadership have enabled the country to record significant progress over the past three years, placing it on the right track to move even further ahead.

“I am confident, insya-Allah, that within the next one or two years Malaysia will continue to rise as a great nation in our region,” he said.

Anwar also reminded the public not to be swayed by polemics or narrow sentiments that are played up from time to time, particularly those touching on racial and religious issues, to the extent that they erode the nation’s fundamental strengths.

He said Malaysia is indeed a country with a Malay and Muslim majority, but at the same time remains a plural nation of diverse races and religions — a reality that has long formed the basis of nation-building.

“This plurality is not a new development. We should not be overly unsettled by pressure or statements driven by racial and religious sentiment to the point that they divert our focus from the core strengths and direction of the country,” he said.

In this regard, the Prime Minister also rejected claims that Islam is marginalised in the country, stressing that Islam remains the religion of the Federation and continues to be upheld in accordance with the Constitution. 

“What basis is there to claim that Islam is marginalised? Everyone knows that Islam is the religion of the Federation, and everyone knows that this country is also bound by constitutional principles. However, Malay, Bumiputera, language and cultural principles must not be used in a way that causes some citizens to feel marginalised,” he stressed. 

Anwar said internal strength, understanding and mature thinking are crucial to ensure the country is not easily led astray merely due to pressure or divisive rhetoric.

He reiterated the call for firm action to combat corruption and rot within the administrative system, involving not only politicians but also civil servants, members of the armed forces and security personnel, without exception.

“When we are in power, that is the time to cleanse this country of the toxic culture of corruption — not to complain after losing power,” he said, while stressing the government’s full support for enforcement bodies such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Inland Revenue Board and related agencies.

However, he reminded all agencies that firm action taken must always be grounded in the rule of law and adhere to established procedures.

On institutional reform, Anwar said the government will table several important bills at the next parliamentary session beginning this January, including the Bill on the Separation of Powers between the Public Prosecutor and the Attorney General.

The government is also proposing to limit the tenure of top positions, including the posts of Prime Minister and Chief Secretary to the Government, to a maximum of 10 years to create room for leadership renewal.

Also to be tabled is the Ombudsman Bill, which will serve as a check-and-balance institution to enable the public to lodge complaints against any party, including the Prime Minister. In addition, the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill will be introduced, with assurances that national security and intelligence aspects will be accorded appropriate exemptions.

The Prime Minister also touched on education, social assistance and support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to ensure more comprehensive public well-being in 2026.

To ensure inclusive education for all segments of society, the Prime Minister announced an immediate allocation of RM200 million to upgrade facilities at Sekolah Agama Rakyat and Maahad Tahfiz institutions. Allocations will also be provided to Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) and Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) to enhance the quality of education. 

In terms of social assistance, Anwar announced that monthly SARA aid of up to RM200 will be credited in stages beginning Jan 9, while the first phase of Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah payments will be credited starting Jan 20. 

The Prime Minister also announced a one-off RM100 SARA for All assistance, to be disbursed on Feb 9 to all citizens aged 18 and above, in conjunction with preparations for Ramadan and the Chinese New Year celebrations.

The Rahmah MADANI Sales programme will also begin on Jan 9 to stabilise the prices of essential goods, with more than 23,000 sales events to be held across 600 districts and 40 locations in the Federal Territories. Meanwhile, MADANI agro sales will offer prices up to 30 per cent lower.

In addition, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the commitment to ensure that prices of essential goods and construction materials such as iron, steel and cement remain stable to help contain the cost of living and development costs, including for affordable housing and low-cost projects.   

He said the government spent RM1.2 billion annually to stabilise chicken prices, and the subsidy was withdrawn in 2023 without causing prices to rise. 

The government is also considering relaxing import conditions should cheaper sources be available, to maintain low prices for consumers and the construction sector.

Anwar stressed that all government measures are aimed at safeguarding the well-being of the people, and called on all parties to work diligently and sincerely for the nation’s prosperity and progress.

“InsyaAllah, this year we will be able to continue recording better progress, provided that we remain committed to ensuring peace in this country, building strength and unity, and working with dedication,” he said.

-- BERNAMA