SUNGAI PETANI, June 7 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that community leaders must have a high level of patience in facing current challenges, while remaining committed alongside the Madani Government to realise the national development agenda.

He said that despite various accusations, it is the responsibility of leaders to continue fulfilling the trust given by the people.

“To develop (the country), it is more challenging and difficult and requires patience and wisdom. Patience is emphasised in the Quran and it is not easy.

“It is easy to just speak and hurl insults. For example, on the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), I was heavily criticised, but previously PAS, Bersatu all supported recognising the UEC – what is the difference now?” he said.

The Prime Minister said this when speaking at an engagement session with heads of federal departments and the Federal Village Development and Security Committees (JPKKP) in Kedah at Universiti Teknologi MARA here today.

Also present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari.

Anwar said community leaders must also have sufficient information and know the best ways to convey it to the public.

The Prime Minister said he would not entertain any jibes directed at him, but would instead continue focusing on the country's economic development agenda and do whatever he can to ease the burden on the people.

“No matter how difficult things are, when it comes to the problems faced by the poor, I have never said they should be postponed. If school toilets are damaged or houses are leaking, I will find a solution. Even if it means cutting ministers' allowances,” he said.

At the same time, he reminded the public to ensure that family institutions are well maintained and properly managed, while equipping children with skills in new fields and technologies so that they can become better than previous generations.

“In mastering artificial intelligence, we must have values, good morals and a religious foundation. If there are elements that could lead us astray, we must prevent them. A nation cannot progress by abandoning the foundations of faith and morality,” he said. — Bernama