New Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim pledged to create “Malaysia for all Malaysians”, fighting corruption and reiterated that he will not take a salary as Malaysians battle the rising cost of living.
Anwar, who has campaigned for 24 years for leadership in Malaysia amid political coups and prison sentences, said improving the Southeast Asian nation’s economy would be a priority. his first. He added that China remains the mainstay of Malaysia’s economic interests.
Waiting 24 years…
Responding to questions at a nationwide press conference after being sworn in as the country’s 10th prime minister on Thursday, Anwar said he would push to make Malaysia a place that does not exclude or abandon any group. , including the eastern states of Sabah and Sarawak.
“[Earlier] my grandson asked me how long you have to wait [for the swearing-in ceremony]? Not long I say, just 24 years,” he said at Sungai Long Golf and Country Club in Kuala Lumpur.
He said that despite “trials and hardships” and although others have tried to “damage and hinder” his path to prime minister, “I am proud to say that we have reached okay – not for Anwar, not for ministers, not for [for] party leaders but also brought a new sense of confidence to all Malaysians. It’s their land, and it’s their country.”
Anwar Ibrahim faced a sea of journalists after his swearing-in ceremony on Thursday.
Announcement Lyn | Getty Images News | beautiful pictures
“There are some core issues that we will never compromise on [on]”, he said, citing good governance, anti-corruption issues and judicial independence.
“And, more importantly, the welfare issue of the ordinary ‘rakyat’, which includes the issue of the cost of living,” he said, using the Malay word for citizen.
International relationship
Leaders from around the world sent their congratulations, including Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
As journalists waited for the press conference to begin, Anwar received a phone call from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who he said had “waited two hours” to speak with him.
The two leaders had clear conversations about deepening bilateral ties.
Anwar’s longtime rival Mahathir Mohamad also congratulated him on social media. The situation has changed, the former Malaysian leader, who has led Malaysia for decades, lost his parliamentary seat in the most recent election.
Anwar was Mahathir’s deputy in the 1990s, but their relationship fizzled out and Anwar was fired and eventually charged with sodomy.
Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia gives his first press conference after being appointed prime minister. His wife, Wan Azizah, is to his right.
Announcement Lyn | Getty Images News | beautiful pictures
When asked about China during the press conference, Anwar said that he would build a relationship with China just like with other countries.
“China is an important neighbor. The priority is to strengthen bilateral relations with China, trade, investment. I won’t just leave it like this, I think it needs to be strengthened. Similarly. , we need a relationship with the US, with Europe… with ASEAN,” he said, referring to the 10-nation Southeast Asian bloc.
What lies ahead for Anwar
Before the new policies can be implemented, Anwar faces another test next month after saying he will put forward a motion to hold a vote of confidence on the first day of parliament. on December 19.
The risky move came when his rival Muhyiddin Yassin, and leader of the competing alliance Perikatan Nasional, continued to challenge him with evidence that he had the support of the majority.
Perikatan Nasional won 73 seats and Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan came in second with 82 seats.
Anwar confirmed during the press conference that in addition to the seats won by his coalition, he also had support from Barisan Nasional who won 30 seats and Gabungan Parti Sarawak won 23 seats. That puts him past the simple majority of 112 seats needed to form a government.
Saturday’s election produced a hung parliament for the first time in Malaysian history.
ISEAS Institute senior member Yusof Ishak Francis Hutchinson told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Asia” on Friday that beyond the daunting task of stabilizing the economy and securing the cabinet, Anwar will have to find ways to win over those voters do not directly vote. vote for his Pakatan Harapan coalition.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was sworn in before the King of Malaysia Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah on Thursday
Mohd Rasfan | afp | beautiful pictures
“There are many people who voted for Perikatan Nasional, Bersatu and PAS who will feel disenfranchised and abandoned,” said Hutchinson.
“So I think it takes some effort to look at and determine why these people voted the way they did and where there is common ground.”
When asked if Anwar had an agreement with Barisan Nasional to pardon the jailed former prime minister Najib Razal in exchange for their support, Hutchinson said: “We can set Najib aside at the moment. this” because his conviction is the result of a very comprehensive legal process.
Najib was sentenced to 12 years in prison after being accused of embezzling billions of dollars from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
