Anwar Ibrahim, the 75-year-old latest prime minister of Malaysia, was sworn in, ending a three-decade quest for office that saw him repeatedly ousted and ended with him serving almost a decade in prison.
Anwar Ibrahim, the country’s latest prime minister, has vowed to fight corruption, make a “Malaysia for all Malaysians” and stressed that he won’t receive a salary so long as Malaysians struggle with the rising cost of living.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was sworn in by Malaysia’s King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah. Photo credit: Mohd Rasfan | Af | Getty Images | CNBC.com
Anwar, who has been running for Malaysia’s top job for twenty-four years despite political assassinations and prison terms, said his first goal can be to strengthen the country’s economy. China, he continued, continues to play a key role in achieving Malaysia’s economic goals.
Anwar answered questions at a well-attended press conference on Thursday after taking the oath of office because the country’s tenth prime minister. He said he would strive to make sure that Malaysia, especially the eastern territories of Sabah and Sarawak, didn’t isolate or neglect any group.
″[Earlier] my grandson asked me how long you will have to attend [for the swearing-in ceremony]? I said soon, only 24 years,” he said on the Sungai Long Golf and Country Club in Kuala Lumpur, quoted CNBC.
Despite “trials and tribulations,” he said, and despite attempts to “disrupt and frustrate” his rise to prime minister, he said: “I’m proud to say that we have now achieved it – not for Anwar, not for ministers, not [for] party leaders, but to present all Malaysians a brand new sense of confidence. It’s their country and their land.
He mentioned judicial independence, anti-corruption issues and good governance as fundamental issues on which he and his team won’t ever compromise.
He added, using the Malay term for residents, “and, more importantly, the problem of the welfare of the strange ‘rakyat’, which incorporates the problem of cost of living.”
Many foreign leaders sent congratulations, including Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
Anwar accepted a call from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who he claimed had “waited for 2 hours” to talk over with him while the media waited for the news conference to start. The two presidents engaged in an overheard discussion about strengthening bilateral ties.
Mahathir Mohamad, Anwar’s stalwart foe, also welcomed him online. The former strongman who ruled Malaysia for many years saw a political shift when he lost his parliamentary seat within the last election.
Anwar was Mahathir’s deputy within the Nineteen Nineties, but their relationship broke down, resulting in Anwar’s firing and subsequent sodomy charges.
Anwar responded that he would strengthen relations with China in the identical way he would with other countries when asked about it through the news conference.
“China is a crucial neighbor. The priority is to strengthen bilateral relations with China, trade and investment. I won’t just leave it at that, I believe it must be improved. Similarly, we must establish relationships with the United States, Europe… with ASEAN,” he said, referring to the 10-nation Southeast Asian bloc he cited. Reuters.
In an interview with Reuters before the election, Anwar said he would work to “draw attention to governance and the fight against corruption and rid this country of racism and spiritual prejudice.”
Anwar has been advocating for inclusiveness and reform of the political system within the multi-ethnic nation for a few years.
The population is nearly 33 million people, of which about 70% are Malays. The remaining 20% are indigenous communities, which include ethnic Chinese and Indians.
Anwar demanded the removal of Barisan Nasional, Malaysia’s longest-ruling coalition, and the repeal of laws favoring Malays.
His campaign slogan “reformasi”, or reform, was heard throughout the country and stays the first goal of his alliance.
Source: CNBC.com, Reuters.com, CNN.com
