KUALA PILAH: Malaysians are free to criticise and advise the government, but should not accuse it of doing nothing, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as he defended the Madani administration’s record on subsidies, cash aid and civil service pay rises.
Acknowledging that his administration was not without shortcomings, the Prime Minister said constructive criticism was necessary, but the government should also be given the opportunity to rectify its weaknesses and improve its performance.
“Criticise me, advise me. But do not insult us by saying we have done nothing.
“I am already of an advanced age. I am still healthy and have been given the opportunity to serve to the best of my ability,” he said during the Berselawat dan Munajat Perdana here on Thursday (July 30).
“If there are weaknesses, and of course there will be, then offer your criticism.
“But give us the opportunity and the space to correct our mistakes and shortcomings, and to improve them, especially in uplifting the dignity of the Malay community that needs protection and strengthening Islam through deeds and action,” he added.
Anwar said the Madani government had continued implementing measures to ease the people’s financial burden despite rising global costs.
He reiterated that the government continued to subsidise RON95 petrol, keeping the pump price at RM1.99 per litre at an annual cost of between RM40bil and RM45bil.
“Every time you fill up your petrol tank, remember that the government has to bear the cost so that the people are not overburdened,” he said.
He added that although imported goods remained expensive and the cost of living continued to rise, the government had sought to cushion the impact through targeted assistance.
Anwar said allocations for the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) and Rahmah initiatives had been increased to RM16bil.
He also highlighted the government’s decision to raise civil servants’ salaries, describing it as the highest salary increase in the country’s history.
“The police had not received a pay rise for 12 years. Civil servants had not received a salary increase for 12 years. So we raised salaries with the biggest increase in history.
“How much did it cost last year? RM18bil,” he said.
The Prime Minister also urged Negri Sembilan voters to support leaders based on integrity and performance rather than emotion or hatred.
“I appeal for your cooperation. Save this state. Save this country. Choose not based on sentiment or hatred, but on shared awareness.
“If there are leaders with good character, who work hard, who do not steal or plunder, then protect them.
“That is why I have come here to help (caretaker MB Datuk Seri) Aminuddin Harun, because I know his record.
“There is no record of missing timber, missing contracts or money being siphoned overseas,” he said.
