PM is full of admiration for people’s resilience
PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed admiration for the resilience of flood victims and the tireless commitment of frontline workers.
“I am deeply moved. While the comfort of shelters is limited, I am grateful and proud of the services provided,” he said in describing victims as people with extraordinary qualities in facing disasters.
Anwar said he was deeply moved when he visited victims at temporary flood relief centres in Terengganu.
“Yesterday, I was with Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Nadma (National Disaster Management Agency) director-general Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus, where we observed the preparations at the relief centre.
“We inquired about the quality of food, and although the comfort of the facilities were limited, the treatment, medical care and overall relief operations were running smoothly.
“(It shows) how truly extraordinary our people are. The flood victims can calmly say the water is up to their waist and that they will go home once it recedes.
“The relief workers did not even complain about feeling exhausted or lacking sleep, they just remained excited to help.”
Anwar was speaking at the Prime Minister’s Department’s monthly assembly. Present were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, as well as Shamsul Azri.
Anwar also praised the coordinated efforts of governmentlinked companies and banks in responding to the floods.
“It would be ideal in the current situation to offer not just funds but also equipment. Let every private company from Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Penang come down to the field,” he added.
Anwar said the government had also allocated additional funds to repair facilities.
On another matter, he called on civil servants to meet public expectations with improved performance following the implementation of the Public Service Remuneration System, which takes effect this month.
“As I have urged, this is a recognition we believe is just,” he said.
Anwar, however, reminded staff members of the heightened expectations that came with the revised remuneration.