It’s about performance, not platitudes, says Anwar

SAN FRANCISCO: The true test of leaders occurs when they are in power as they must deliver rather than just espouse pious platitudes, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“Because finally, you are judged by your actions. People do give you a grace period, but then they will have to see whether you mean business.

“It applies to all political leaders, all opposition leaders who attain power by fighting corruption and abuse of power,” he said when asked how leaders can ensure that they are not being hijacked by rhetoric and be able to focus on the real issues while being responsible for the next generation.

“The test is when you are in the responsible position, whether you can really deliver.

“Second, of course, is clear economic policies,” he said during a question-and-answer session at the 30th Apec CEO Summit entitled The Global Economy and State of the World here on Wednesday, Bernama reported.

According to the Prime Minister, trust deficits happen when leaders don’t deliver.

“So, you’re right, because of that, people have trust deficits against leaders, political leaders, because of the rhetoric, the pious platitude. When there are no concrete actions,” he said.

Anwar arrived here on Monday for the 30th Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) from Nov 14-17, marking his maiden visit for the official meeting as Prime Minister of Malaysia.

He is accompanied by his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, and other senior government officials.