26-11-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, marking his one-year anniversary in office, pledged to tackle religious extremism and poverty at the annual congress of his Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) on Nov 25.
The two-day gathering in Putrajaya, the nation’s seat of power, faced criticism for the perceived slow pace of reforms by the former opposition party, now part of the ruling coalition. Anwar addressed these concerns in his speech, advocating for a moderate and inclusive approach. He acknowledged the challenges, stating, “It is not possible for all the problems to be solved in a year.”
Anwar emphasized the government’s commitment to combating bigotry and ensuring harmony in the country. Without naming specific groups, his reference to race and religion seemed directed at the Malay-Muslim opposition coalition, Perikatan Nasional.
The Prime Minister’s unity government aims to balance outreach to Malaysia’s Malay-Muslim majority without alienating ethnic Chinese and Indian voters. Anwar vowed to eradicate hardcore poverty, improve infrastructure, and address complaints about rising inflation.
In response to economic challenges, Anwar proposed a shift to targeted subsidies, focusing on aiding the poor rather than blanket subsidies benefiting higher-income Malaysians. He highlighted the need to address escalating costs, stating, “Blanket subsidies are no longer relevant as the cost swells each year.”
The opening ceremony drew 2,400 delegates, 50 diplomats, and over 1,000 observers. Anwar, sworn in as Malaysia’s 10th prime minister on Nov 24, 2022, has faced declining popularity amid criticisms of slow reforms, a rising cost of living, and economic challenges.
According to a recent survey by independent pollster Merdeka Center, Anwar’s approval rating has dropped from 68% in December 2022 to 50%. Economic concerns, with 8 in 10 respondents citing it as the top issue, have contributed to the decline.
The PKR congress aimed to focus on nation-building efforts, departing from previous controversial and confrontational speeches. The atmosphere remained calm, in contrast to past incidents of disorder during meetings. The PKR president’s speech will be debated on Nov 26, signaling discussions on the party’s future direction and strategies.
