SUNGAI PETANI, June 7 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised that community leaders must have a high level of patience in facing current challenges while remaining committed, alongside the MADANI government, to realising the national development agenda.
Despite various accusations, it is the responsibility of leaders to continue to fulfil the trust placed in them by the people.
“To develop (the country), it is more challenging and difficult and requires patience and wisdom. Patience is emphasised in the Qu'ran, 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.
Anwar was speaking at an engagement session with the heads of Federal departments and the Federal Village Development and Security Committees in Kedah, held at Universiti Teknologi MARA today.
Also present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari.
He added that 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 could 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,” Anwar said.
He also 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 they can surpass 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,” Anwar said.
