Give the unity government time to deliver

NOBODY can deny the fact that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hit the ground running in his job as our 10th prime minister.

In the first 100 days of his administration, he has been addressing the most pressing issues facing the nation with a reasonable degree of success.

Among his government’s most notable acts is the nod to amend the Constitution and allow automatic citizenship for children born overseas to Malaysian mothers. That is a feather in the government’s cap, and one for which many mothers, children and their families will be grateful.

The government must also be appreciated for introducing the novel “Menu Rahmah”, under which some 15,000 restaurants are now offering RM5 meals for the low-income group.

The PM has also introduced targeted electricity tariff subsidies.

He has certainly identified with the rakyat when he proposed a 20% pay cut for ministers until the economy recovers, and set aside the savings to benefit the rakyat.

But what has impressed many people are the PM’s constant pledges and commitment to wipe out corruption and plug leakages in public spending.

On the international front, his priority has been to forge stronger rapport with neighbouring countries. In a short period of time, he has visited Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines to strengthen bilateral ties.

There are bound to be complaints and criticisms from the discerning public, but we must give the PM and his unity government the time and opportunity to deliver the goods. We will let them know how they performed during the next general election.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE

Kuala Lumpur