Anwar: Those who complain failed to reform while in power

Changes or reforms to be undertaken must be carried out while still holding power, and not after no longer being in government, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

He said experience had shown that some leaders were vocal when no longer in power but failed to implement the necessary changes after being given the mandate as prime minister or minister.

“When they have power, they plunder wealth or do nothing. When they no longer have power, they complain every day,” he said in his speech at the ‘Hari Keluarga & Rapat Reformis Kebangsaan 2026’ event in Bukit Beruntung, Selangor, today.

As for his Madani government, he said reforms must be undertaken rationally and wisely, through consultation and deliberation with party leaders.

Also present at the event were Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Human Resources Minister R Ramanan, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, and Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.

The PKR president acknowledged that implementing change is not an easy task, given the differing priorities among the parties within the unity government, which must be managed wisely.

“All these parties each have their own priorities, so we must steer wisely,” he said.

The prime minister also stressed that the government remains steadfast in its reform agenda, particularly in combating corruption and misuse of power, and that these principles cannot be compromised.

“But one thing we cannot deny is that we stand firm in bringing about change. Reject corruption, reject abuse, reject arrogance,” he said.

In addition, Anwar said the commitment to upholding the independence of the judiciary and integrity in governance forms the core of the reform agenda currently being implemented by the government.

At the event, the prime minister expressed special appreciation to “otai-otai reformis” (PKR veterans) for their sacrifices and contributions to the party’s struggle.

In this regard, he proposed that each party division establish a Veterans Unit to consolidate the energy and experience of reformist veterans, thereby strengthening the organisation at the grassroots level.

Rahmah sugar

At the same event, Anwar also officiated the launch of halal logo certification for the “Gula Rahmah” (Rahmah Sugar) product, offered at RM2.70 per kilogramme.

According to a statement by HMBE Legacy Sdn Bhd, the Gula Rahmah initiative is implemented in collaboration with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.

The product is certified halal, with the entire processing, packaging, and distribution complying with the prescribed food safety and quality control standards, and involves 100 percent bumiputera SMEs.

- Bernama

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