Changes take time, Anwar calls Malaysians to be patient

IPOH: People should not be in such a hurry to demand changes that the government had promised, says Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said the people should present any problems that arise prudently so that they could be resolved.

He said Malaysians need to understand that not all problems can be solved immediately.

“Therefore any demand that is submitted in a good and prudent way will be looked into and tried to be solved.

“An example will be the recent Cabinet decision on non-Muslim students who obtained 10As and above in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) were eligible to continue their studies at the matriculation level.

“So it’s possible that out of 10 who were eligible, there may have been two students who have not been eligible. Then, they start saying bad things about me instead of coming forward to check on their ineligibility, “ he said in his speech after meeting with the Tambun parliamentary Indian community at the Chemor community hall here on Monday (July 8).

“So it’s important to talk well because when we listen, we can solve the issue.

“Hence, that is why I said it's okay to complain but don't come up, and talk as if Anwar doesn't know anything, because that is not right,” he added.

In his speech, Anwar also said that under his leadership, he had never marginalised the Indian community.

He said examples would be through the additional RM50mil for the financing of the National Entrepreneur Group Economic Fund (Tekun Nasional), and an additional RM50mil for the Indian Women's Empowerment Special Fund under Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia.

Anwar also said now that there is only three years left before the end of his term as Prime Minister, he must set a good example to the people by not giving tenders to family members, and in addition to being modest.

"I don't want to do that, from RM10mil, RM1mil is given to my wife, RM1mil is given to my son or son-in-law. I have been working for one-and-a-half years, I did not get any tender for my family and I do not even take a salary now (as Prime Minister).

"I even refused an expensive car worth RM2mil, as I want to show (that) not all Prime Ministers are like that, to be an inspiration to the people.

"The people are having a hard time now, the prices of goods have gone up, and some of them don't even have enough to eat.

“So if you are a leader, you must think about how you can solve issues but if you are a leader and you think about your children, son-in-law, friends, then how are you going to help the people,” he added.