Great statesmanship may cost us elections, says Anwar

 FMT:

Great statesmanship may

cost us elections, says

Anwar

Lynelle Tham

-07 Oct 2024, 12:52 PM

While the government had the political courage to implement the ‘unpopular’ subsidy rationalisation, the prime minister says it cannot go too far as it must ensure its survival in the next general election.

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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said balance is necessary between being a statesman and a pragmatic politician.

KUALA LUMPUR: 

Achieving ‘great’ statesmanship may come at the cost of electoral support, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar was speaking about the government’s ongoing subsidy rationalisation efforts in his opening address at the two-day Khazanah Megatrends Forum 2024.

He said his government 

summoned firm political courage

, unlike previous administrations, to implement the rationalisation at the risk of being unpopular among the people.

But not too unpopular because we (the government) have to survive the next elections,

 he said.

 

Otherwise, it will be like the Churchillian disease,

 he said, referring to the tendency of leaders to prioritise their long-term legacy and ideals over short-term political gain.

Anwar said being a great statesman who plans for the next generation is the goal, but balance is necessary between being a statesman and a pragmatic politician.

Early in his term, Anwar had pledged to improve Malaysia’s fiscal position and reduce government debt, currently over 60% of the gross domestic product (GDP).

Anwar, who is also finance minister, aims to replace broad subsidies, which cost the country RM81 billion last year, with targeted assistance to help lower the 2024 budget deficit from 5% to 4.3% of GDP.

As part of these reforms, the government removed the diesel subsidy, adjusting the retail price to RM3.35 per litre in Peninsular Malaysia, effective June 10.

In his speech, Anwar also rejected the notion that the subsidy reforms would inflict undue suffering on the people.

Now the billions of ringgit saved are now being channelled back to the people in terms of subsidies and cash transfers.

 

Malaysia set to lead Asean next year with vision of unity, collaboration

Anwar said the country is prepared to lead Asean with a vision of unity, inclusivity and collaboration as it prepares for its chairmanship in 2025.

Recent geopolitical divisions threaten the stability of our region, but through shared leadership and a policy of strong neutrality – or we call it centrality – we can overcome these changes,

 he said.

Anwar reiterated that Malaysia is also exploring partnerships with the intergovernmental organisation BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) to enhance global South-South relations.

We reiterate the paramount importance of adhering to a rules-based order regionally and internationally, but we reject the hypocrisy and double standards observed by those when it suits them.