Lowering cost of living, high prices immediate priority, says Anwar
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says he will hold a special meeting with relevant agencies by Monday to discuss the issue of rising prices.
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says the immediate priority of his new government will be to tackle the rising cost of living.
At a press conference today, Anwar said despite the ringgit strengthening, the high prices of goods continue to put pressure on the people.
He said he has asked the relevant government agencies to conduct detailed discussions and take immediate action to ease the people’s burden.
He also said he has requested for a special meeting with the agencies by Monday at the latest to discuss the matter.
However, he would understand if the agencies have reservations about meeting on Monday as he had declared it a public holiday.
“If they are not keen, we can postpone the meeting, but I believe in their commitment towards the people and they (the agencies) understand that our main priority is to ease the people’s burden,” he said.
Yesterday, Anwar was appointed the 10th prime minister following a meeting between the King and the Malay rulers.
At his first press conference as the prime minister, he said his administration will focus on the economy and do “whatever it takes” to revive it.
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says the immediate priority of his new government will be to tackle the rising cost of living.
At a press conference today, Anwar said despite the ringgit strengthening, the high prices of goods continue to put pressure on the people.
He said he has asked the relevant government agencies to conduct detailed discussions and take immediate action to ease the people’s burden.
He also said he has requested for a special meeting with the agencies by Monday at the latest to discuss the matter.
However, he would understand if the agencies have reservations about meeting on Monday as he had declared it a public holiday.
“If they are not keen, we can postpone the meeting, but I believe in their commitment towards the people and they (the agencies) understand that our main priority is to ease the people’s burden,” he said.
Yesterday, Anwar was appointed the 10th prime minister following a meeting between the King and the Malay rulers.
At his first press conference as the prime minister, he said his administration will focus on the economy and do “whatever it takes” to revive it.
First, I think it is strange for him to call a public holiday and then ask for a meeting on the said holiday.
ReplyDeleteIt makes those affected (to attend the meeting) look ungracious if they refuse to turn up. Anwar should not try to prove how hard he will work urgently for the rakyat.
Second, while it is good to alleviate the economic worries of the rakyat, Anwar must avoid a free for all mentality - have economic plans that will be viable long term and not populist eg distributing cash at every chance.
Don't forget, the cash reserves are finite and must be protected.