PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim hopes voters in Penang, especially Malays, will vote for parties that represent the unity government in the state polls.

Anwar said he hopes Penang voters can “recover” from sentiments stirred during the last general election (GE) and support the unity government at the state level. 

“I hope my friends (voters) in Penang know that sometimes we get carried away with sentiments (played) at that time… (I hope voters in Penang) will ‘recover’.

“We want this Penang government to (complement) the unity government so we can work with the federal unity government to champion the plight of Malays in Penang,” he said at the Qurban Perdana programme in Permatang Pauh today. 

Anwar said six months ago, he revived the Penang Bumiputera Development Council to defend the plight of Malays in the state and ensure they are not left out.

He said the unity government has demonstrated its sincerity in assisting Malays through an agreement, with a government guarantee, for the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) to restructure the agency’s loans by issuing sukuk and revolving credit to restore its financial position.

“Two days ago, I signed an agreement for the cancellation of 80% of Felda’s debt, of which 95% of its settlers are Malays,” he said. 

Anwar said Felda’s high debt was the result of the agency’s poor management, not the fault of the settlers. 

When asked about unity government components’ chances of winning his family’s traditional seats in Permatang Pauh, Anwar replied: “God willing, we will win it.”

He also rejected the “green wave” narrative that uses religion and race issues to gain votes.

“There are people who say those who are against their party are enemies of Allah. This is not right. I, along with Pakatan Harapan and Umno, will continue to defend the nation and religion,” he said. – Bernama, June 30, 2023.