Anwar: Highways to come under govt if Pakatan in power

Parliamentary opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said a Pakatan Rakyat-led Federal government would transfer all highway concessions to be under the government in order to fulfill its pledge to abolish tolls.

"We will fix a time line for government bodies that own highway concessions to transfer them to the government so that tolls will be abolished," said Anwar.

Addressing a luncheon attended by CEOs in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Anwar said that similarly, private water concessions would be restored to the government.

"Water is a public asset of the rakyat, not the private money machine for the corporate big wigs," said the former Finance minister.

Reiterating PR's people oriented policies, Anwar also repeated the coalition's promise to provide free education, describing it as a fundamental right of citizens from the government.

"Funding will be given for educational institutions at all levels and for academic, technical and vocational streams.

"We need this in order to expand access to effective education for Malaysians of all walks of life. Free education is a fundamental liberty," he said, and dismissed claims that expanding subsidies would result in Malaysians relying on them like crutches.

"We want a fair and equitable system of wealth distribution. To this end, we will overhaul the current structure of national subsidies. Corporate sector subsidies must be reduced, for example, the gas subsidies of RM19 billion to independent power producers. We then pass on these savings toward subsidies for the rakyat," he said.

According on Anwar, government policies that favoured the people would encourage business competitiveness in the country.

"Can we seriously say that rakyat friendly policies coupled with an administration that is fully transparent and accountable will not be conducive to business?" he asked.

Anwar reminded company bosses of their role in society, which he said should be based on respect for human dignity.

"Apart from being the chief drivers of business expansion and hence the creation of value added employment, you are also the custodians of Corporate Social Responsibility," he stressed.

"You have the power to implement CSR according to the principles of justice and fairness in dealings. This is where CSR and social justice meet and flow into the mainstream of corporate governance.

"I am optimistic and confident that you do not want to remain as mere passengers but, as CEOs, you should be at the driver’s seat to help bring about the change," said Anwar.

-Harakahdaily