ANWAR WARNS OF ‘TOUGH’ ECONOMIC CHALLENGES IN 2019 – BUT SAD TO SAY, IT’S POLITICAL CRISIS THAT IS LIKELY TO ENVELOP MALAYSIA IN THE YEAR AHEAD

PETALING JAYA – The Pakatan Harapan government should focus and unite on important issues pertaining to the rakyat’s needs in what will be a challenging 2019, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

In his New Year’s message, the PKR president said 2019 will bring a multitude of challenges – geopolitical upheaval, instability in the global economy and continued attempts by vested interests to spark community unrest, to name a few.

“We must not rest on our laurels; in fact we must be even more alert as to the forces that would hijack the agenda for reform that the rakyat has voted for,” he said.

Anwar said there was also anxiety amongst those at the lower rung of the economic ladder such as the fishermen, rubber tappers, labourers, who are struggling to make ends meet.

“If we open our eyes and ears, we will see and listen to the grouses on the ground. For example, I recently conducted a survey among 3,000 students who attended a town-hall session. A recurrent theme was anxiety regarding low wages and employment opportunities – issues that mirror concerns of youth across the country.

“We are at risk of being left behind if we do not embrace the digital revolution. We live in an era where we are unable to escape global trends. Disruption will change the landscape that we operate in, making it essential for us to accept change and adapt accordingly,” said Anwar in the statement on Saturday (Dec 29).

The Port Dickson MP added that he was currently looking into policies in the digital sphere that can help uplift the lives of his constituents – practical initiatives that will ensure Malaysia remains relevant in the global economic arena as well as address the challenges of climate change and an increasingly ageing population.

“As we reflect on the events of 2018 and take heed of the coming year, it is important to not lose focus on the things that matter. We were able to change the government because of our willingness to forgive and put aside disagreements for a better Malaysia.

“Indeed, Malaysia is where she is today because of our ability to focus on the things that we have in common rather than allowing our differences to set us apart,” he said.

– ANN