KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 — If the country’s new leaders do not realise that “leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege”, then they are no better than a second version of Umno, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.
In an interview with Astro Awani, the newly-released PKR de facto leader said leaders who think otherwise would be no better than a Barisan Nasional (BN) leader.
“Mahathir seems serious about this issue. He has accepted discussions with all parties, especially PKR, since we won many seats during the election,” Anwar said.
“But I remind my comrades that while we can present our suggestions, the decision is still the prime minister’s to make on who to appoint that will help him govern well.”
“I won’t be in Cabinet. I don’t want to disrupt any process. I will only serve as the voice of the people and ensure that nothing is left off the government’s agenda,” added Anwar, who received a full pardon from the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong today.
On the country’s economy, the former deputy prime minister added that while Malays and Bumiputeras were the majority in Malaysia, they were also the most disadvantaged and poorest.
“I don’t think that the country can be healthy, fresh and democratic if the Malays feel like they are left behind,” he said.
“Our approach is that the Malay community affected will be given the right to a good education, health and housing. This must also be carried out based on the resources that we have as long as they are not stolen by certain parties.
“This is also why we must observe the various economic programmes well so that this same mistake does not happen again,” said Anwar.
Anwar also added that when the government “cleans up” the public sector, it was important not to sacrifice the jobs of those who were simply following orders.
“We don’t want that those sacrificed are those who were just following orders, but I agree that the ministers must be chosen carefully. This is why Dr Mahathir has taken a longer time than usual to select them,” he said.
