PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today the unity government that he leads is the best chance in years for Malaysia to achieve excellence and recover lost ground.

“We all want to achieve something in our lives. For this country, for Malaysia, I believe the country and the people deserve better,” he told the Malaysian diaspora in Thailand.

“And now that we have a chance, whatever they may say against me and my colleagues, one thing I would never compromise, they are here to make sure Malaysia is governed well, responsible for all Malaysians.

“That is what Madani is about for Malaysians.”

Anwar spoke to them in Bangkok where he is on an official visit.

Malaysia Madani is his ideologue to administer the nation, based on six pillars – sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust and compassion.

Anwar also said he will not tolerate corruption under his watch.

He said his administration will offer “democratic accountability” to ensure the nation will not lose out economically to corruption and abuse of power.

“Malaysia has had its opportunity to advance as a vital democracy, as a rather successful economy, with all its limitations in the 1990s,” he said.

“We have lost ground because of poor governance, endemic corruption and abuse of power.

“Whether you like it or not, it’s a stark reality. (If) you can acknowledge these facts, we can move with greater confidence, determine our priorities and proceed with confidence.”

He also slammed unnamed political leaders who relied on manipulation and rhetoric to stay relevant.

“A mediocre leader can’t survive in this competitive world except for their orchestration, manipulation, Machiavellian tactics using race, religion and region,” he said. – February 9, 2023.