TWENTY years after he was sacked from office, Anwar Ibrahim today returned to a government event, saying he will monitor Pakatan Harapan ministers’ performance.

Asking all Malaysians to join him in monitoring the administration, the PKR president-elect said there must be no repeat of the previous Barisan Nasional government’s mistakes.

“Our ministers should not act in haste or arrogantly in implementing government policies.

“If they do that, it will burden the rakyat,” he said during his closing speech at the Congress on the Future of Bumiputeras and the Nation in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said he knew PH cabinet members personally and would guide them, adding that criticism would be meted out should the need arise.

“If the opposition criticises our ministers and the government, and if they are right, I, too, will support the opposition in criticising our ministers.”

He warned that despite the new mindset championed by the PH administration, having power and position could change those holding office.

“So, this reminder is appropriate. We need good governance and integrity, we need to be corruption-free from the top.

“And, it’s the duty of everyone to monitor those in power. Let’s not just rely on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.”

Anwar, for whom tomorrow marks two decades since he was booted from Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s government during the latter’s first tenure as prime minister, spoke briefly about his relationship with Dr Mahathir, who returned to the post following PH’s 14th general election victory.

“This is my first government event after that (sacking). I know Dr Mahathir very well.

“He was a close friend and a tight enemy. Our meeting for the first time (in 2016) was difficult.

“I had a smile on my face, but tears in my heart. But the meeting, and working with him, is important for the future of the nation.”

He said he knew Dr Mahathir was adamant about wanting to save Malaysia from BN’s clutches.

PH has an agreement in place to have Anwar succeed Dr Mahathir as prime minister.

Anwar also said he would contest in a by-election “very soon” to become MP, which would pave the way for him to take over from Dr Mahathir. – September 1, 2018.