JOHOR BARU: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has vowed to better balance his dual responsibilities of leading national development and strengthening Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
Anwar said starting next month, he will dedicate one day each week specifically to focus on party affairs, including efforts to consolidate PKR’s grassroots strength at the division level.
The Prime Minister and PKR president said the move is also aimed at strengthening collaboration among parties within the government.
“I was overwhelmed by the responsibilities of my new role (as Prime Minister). I aspire to see Malaysia rise and become a great nation in the coming years, so I have to focus intensely on national matters.
“To the central leadership council (MPP), I apologise because over nearly three years as Prime Minister, I have paid the least attention to party matters.
“Was that the right decision? Certainly not,” he said at the launch of the National PKR Congress here today.
At the event, Anwar was announced as having won the presidency uncontested after no candidates offered to contest the position. He has held the position of PKR president since 2018.
Anwar also defended the extension of the country’s top graft buster Tan Sri Azam Baki, pointing out that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) under the latter’s leadership had dared to act against big guns involved in corruption and power abuse.
He said space should be given to Azam and the MACC to continue to investigate those who involved in plundering the country.
“The MACC is now daring and going after the taukehs involved in billions in corruption.
“Those who steal from the country should return it to the people.”
He gave assurance that a replacement for Azam would be found in due course.
In his hour-long speech, Anwar said that his government believed in the rule of law.
“I believe in the independence of the judiciary and the appointment of judges,” he said, adding he has not interfered in judges’ decisions, unlike in the past when they acted on the whims and fancies of the executive.
Anwar also addressed the power sharing formula between Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional and parties from Sabah and Sarawak.
“We need political stability to get more investments and create more jobs.”
