IPOH: People should not rush to demand the changes the Government has promised, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said instead, they should prudently bring forward any problems that arise so that they can be resolved.
“Not all problems can be solved immediately. Therefore, any demand that is submitted in a good and prudent way will be looked into and addressed.
“An example would be the recent Cabinet decision on non- Muslim students who obtained 10As and above in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) being eligible to continue their studies at the matriculation level.
“So if out of 10 eligible people, only two have not received an offer to enter matriculation, they start saying bad things about me instead of coming forward to clarify the matter,” Anwar said in his speech after meeting with the Tambun parliamentary Indian community at the Chemor community hall here yesterday.
He said the instructions were that all those who gained 10As must gain entry into matriculation.
“It is important to talk well because we can solve the issue when we listen.
“That’s 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 cited examples such as the additional RM50mil each for financing the National Entrepreneur Group Economic Fund (Tekun Nasional) and the Indian Women’s Empowerment Special Fund (PENN) under Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM).
“So don’t be an enemy, don’t bring division. If the Indian community speaks well to me, I look at it and try to solve it,” he said.
Anwar also noted that with only three years left before the end of his term as Prime Minister, he must set a good example to the people by being modest and not giving tenders to family members.
“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 over two and a half years. I did not get any tender for my family, and I do not even get a salary now.
“I even refused an expensive car which cost RM2mil. I want to show that not all prime ministers are like that, to be an inspiration to the people,” he said.
“The people are having a hard time now. The prices of goods have gone up, and some people 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 who thinks about your children, son-in-law and friends first, then how are you going to help the people?” he added.
