KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s one-year tenure cannot serve as a comprehensive gauge for evaluating the performance of the unity government, according to the former Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
Expressing the complexity of passing judgement on the Anwar-led government within such a short timeframe, Al-Sultan Abdullah emphasised the need for a thorough assessment that considers the inherent challenges that comes with addressing legacy issues.
“In assessing a year, there are inevitably weaknesses, and the prime minister is actively working to mitigate or, if possible, eliminate existing problems. However, such initiatives must adhere to established rules and contracts,” Al-Sultan Abdullah said during the ‘Lambaian Mahkota’ interview session last night, which featured more than a dozen journalists from local and foreign media outlets.
While acknowledging the ongoing efforts to control leakages and reduce excessive expenditures, Al-Sultan Abdullah stressed the importance of a strategic, long-term plan spanning five to ten years and beyond for the unity government.
Highlighting the presence of various plans and policies, including potentially unpopular decisions for the greater good, he urged understanding from the public, noting that reforms, such as the reduction of targeted subsidies, require time to manifest their benefits.
“The prime minister’s intention to reform and address issues related to subsidies and expenditures may seem drastic, but it is crucial to distinguish between safeguarding the rights of the B40 group while focusing on higher-income brackets (T20).
“These reforms require patience to witness their positive outcomes,” he explained.
Al-Sultan Abdullah underscored the democratic process in changing governments, advocating for adherence to the established timeline of four to five years based on general election results.
“It is imperative that changes in government align with the democratic process already in place, respecting the stipulated five-year term,” he said.
“Abrupt changes within two to three years are not in line with the democratic principles we uphold.”
Yesterday marked the end of Al-Sultan Abdullah’s reign as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Malaysia’s head of state.
Al-Sultan Abdullah, 64, took the oath of office as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Jan 31, 2019. – January 31, 2024