Reforms take time, require consensus of all Madani govt partners, says Anwar

The Star

21 hours ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Carrying out major reforms is a gradual process that requires consensus from all parties within the Madani government, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister acknowledged some quarters have questioned the pace of reforms under his administration, saying that there had been progress, albeit not as fast as hoped for.
"For those who are impatient and want it fast – they are blinded by the facts and reality," he said, adding that Pakatan Harapan has 81 MPs, including 31 from PKR.
"It is not even a simple majority," he said in his speech when launching the i-RISE Centre of Excellence here on Tuesday (June 10).
He said that it was necessary to get support for reforms, including from the ruling elite and professionals.
"Where do you begin? Can you undertake massive reforms in a year, or two or three?
"I don't know – but what I know is that there's no turning back.
"I am certain every month and every year, there must be some progression," he said.
Anwar, who is also Pakatan chairman, said that the coalition must work together to implement the necessary reforms.
"We are fortunate because Umno and Barisan Nasional have turned out to be one of the core pillars committed to reforms," he said.
He added that the process of carrying out reforms should not be taken for granted, as it still requires crucial negotiations, discussions, and engagement.
"If we do not get the consensus with key parties, including GPS and GRS, how would we get support for programmes like this?" he said.
In a social media post on June 8, Subang MP Wong Chen said he was taking a two-week break to ponder his future in politics.
The three-term PKR backbencher expressed concern that Pakatan had spent 15 years forming the ruling administration but had shown little progress in terms of reforms.
Wong said more could be achieved if backbenchers in Dewan Rakyat pushed the Madani government harder on reforms.