New govt to tackle cost of living
On first day in office, PM Anwar pledges to address rising cost, ease people’s hardship
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that the issue of the rising cost of living will be given priority by his unity government to alleviate the burden shouldered by the people.
He said a meeting with the relevant agencies and departments will be held on Monday at the latest to discuss the issue, including the price of goods.
“Even with the positive signs, such as the upside strength seen for ringgit and the stock markets, that showed increased confidence in the current government, I think the priority should continue to be given to the rising cost of living and price of goods that are plaguing and burdening the people,” he told a press conference on his first day in office at Perdana Putra here yesterday.
Earlier, Anwar also met with the top government officials, namely the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali and the Director-General of Public Service Datuk Seri Mohd Shafiq Abdullah.
Anwar also received official documents on government administration from Mohd Zuki.
The newly-appointed prime minister also expressed confidence that the top government officials would have no issue in helping his government to address the cost of living issue.
“I know I have announced that Monday is a public holiday, and if they (officials) are reluctant, I can postpone (the meeting).
I think the priority should continue to be given to the rising cost of living and price of goods that are plaguing and burdening the people.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
“...but I believe in their commitment and that they understand that our main job is to alleviate the burden of the people at the grassroots,” he said, adding that his soonto-be-formed Cabinet will enable Malaysia to bounce back and reclaim its status on the international stage.
Anwar, 75, was sworn in as the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara on Thursday.
Earlier yesterday, Anwar waved to media practitioners who had camped outside the compound of Perdana Putra waiting for his arrival to enter the Prime Minister’s Office.
He also mingled with civil servants waiting for his arrival at the lobby of Perdana Putra.
He arrived at the main block of Bangunan Perdana Putra which housed the Prime Minister’s Office at 9.55am yesterday and was received by Mohd Zuki.
Also present were A orneyGeneral Tan Sri Idrus Harun, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani and Army Chief Gen Tan Sri Zamrose Mohd Zain.
Anwar who was a ired in a baju Melayu complete with samping later clocked in at his office on the 5th floor of the building.
The Tambun MP later joined a prayer led by the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM) integrity officer Muhd Redza Ahmad before signing a welcome book.
Accompanied by Mohd Zuki, Anwar later proceeded to Precinct 8 food court here for lunch before heading to the Putra Mosque for Friday prayers.
At his maiden media conference as the prime minister on Thursday night, Anwar stressed that the unity government was formed with the participation of several parties to ensure the stability of the country and economy as well as upholding the spirit of the Federal Constitution.
He said the three largest components of the unity government are Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN) and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).