Criticised for slow reforms, Anwar says, “can’t change things in the blink of an eye”

 

UNDER constant attack for slow reforms, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hit back at criticism, saying things are not done in the blink of an eye.

The Pakatan Harapan chairman is also facing constant criticism for his previous stance on RON95, with his famous statement, “Today we win, tomorrow we bring down the price of fuel”, still haunting him.

Responding to critics, Anwar said reforms require time and cannot be achieved immediately.

“We are trying to make changes to the best of our ability, but we can’t change things in the blink of an eye.

“People say Anwar is always talking about reform, but it has not happened yet,” he said. “We have a proper, standard process.”

On the other hand, despite keeping subsidised RON95 at RM1.99, Anwar is still mocked for his 2008 pledge to lower petrol prices.

To defend himself, Anwar said his remarks from that period have been taken out of context, and this is misleading the public.

However, everyone knows that the public and political opponents will not stop attacking him for the promises made decades ago.

And this is Anwar’s reaction to the criticism on RON95: “The statement was made when the price of oil in Saudi Arabia was 50 sen at that time.

“But we are now at RM1.99, among the lowest in the world, compared only to Brunei, which is slightly lower than us. All oil-producing countries, including the United Arab Emirates, are now raising oil prices.”

Anwar urged political leaders to debate responsibly, noting the government spends RM6bil monthly subsidising diesel in key sectors.

“I and the government are criticised, even though we strive to keep RON95 among the lowest in the world. In this difficult situation, we reduced the quota from 300 litres to 200 litres per month, and even that was condemned.

“For diesel, the price increase does affect the people, but farmers, fishermen, and public transport are all given subsidies amounting to RM6bil monthly,” he said.

“Imagine, in 10 months that is RM60bil.”

He also chided those who are criticising him to use knowledge in their arguments.

“People complain about taxes, but without taxes the country has no funds.

“This is the time for us to discuss properly – government parties, opposition parties – don’t be reckless. If you want to be a leader of society, your comments must be based on knowledge.” —  Focus Malaysia