Nov 28 is a public holiday, says Anwar

SUNGAI LONG: Monday (Nov 28) will be a public holiday, says newly-appointed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“I will discuss with the chief secretary because I have promised for a holiday on Monday this week, but this wasn’t settled last Monday.

“God-willing, this (impasse) is settled on Thursday (Nov 24), and I will fulfil my promise to have a holiday next Monday,” said Anwar in a press conference at a golf club in Sungai Long.

Anwar said his first focus as a Prime Minister is to ensure national economic recovery and he noted that after his appointment as PM, foreign investors' confidence appeared to have been positively affected and the share market situation has improved.

“Foreign investors' confidence has changed, the ringgit has strengthened and the stock market is fresher.

“That is why, I decided that Friday (Nov 25) will not be a public holiday and instead, it will be next Monday (Nov 28),” added Anwar.

Anwar also said he will start his duties as Prime Minister on Friday (Nov 25) morning itself.

“Because there is a meeting at 8.30am on Friday and I have discussed with the Chief Secretary to the Government, that I will arrive at the Prime Minister’s Office before 10am Friday (Nov 25),” added Anwar.

Anwar also shared his feelings since 1998, when he was removed as deputy prime minister by then premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“My grandson asked me, how much longer do you have to wait? I said not too long, only 24 years.

“God-willing, with all the trials and tribulations ... I’m proud to say that we have achieved (this).

“It’s not for Anwar, not for the party leaders, but to give this new sense of confidence to Malaysians that this is their land and their country,” added Anwar.