Let’s strive for excellence in 2025, Anwar tells Malaysians

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia’s chairmanship of Asean would allow the country to influence regional and global agendas on multiple issues, including the illegal occupation of Gaza. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged Malaysians to strive for excellence in the new year, as the country assumes the chairmanship of Asean.

“To be respected as a sovereign, independent and responsible nation, we must first put our country in order,” Anwar said in a televised New Year’s message tonight.

The prime minister said there was a need to strengthen unity, improve governance, eradicate corruption and curb leakages in order for Malaysia to make strides in regional and international markets.

He said Malaysia’s chairmanship of Asean was a “huge honour”, allowing the country the opportunity to influence regional and global agendas on multiple issues, including the cruel and illegal occupation of Gaza.

Anwar said the current “complicated” global landscape might require Asean to redefine its role and chart a different course.

“For that reason, leading Asean in the year ahead represents a huge responsibility,” he said.

Anwar said his administration had introduced various policies over the past year. He conceded that some of these policies had been unpopular and did not produce immediate results.

“However, these policies were rigorously assessed and implemented with sincerity and a clear political will of bringing benefits to the majority of Malaysians,” he said, citing the diesel subsidy rationalisation as an example.

Anwar also stressed on the need for the country’s economy to be managed prudently in order to make provisions for unexpected events, including the recent floods.

He added that his administration would work with the affected state governments to ensure a prompt delivery of all necessary aid to flood victims. - FMT