Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has acknowledged that overhauling Malaysia’s system of governance is a long-term endeavour and not something that can be completed in a year or two. He emphasized that meaningful reform requires the backing of parties outside the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition and cannot depend solely on a single political bloc.
While addressing the launch of i-Rise, a center focused on research and innovation in Islamic economics at Sasana Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia, Anwar pointed out that although expectations are high, structural changes of this magnitude cannot happen overnight. According to him, reform is not only inevitable but already underway, with progress being made steadily month by month.
He noted that for those demanding swift changes, there may be a disconnect from the complexities and constraints of governance. The pace of transformation, he argued, must be measured and consistent rather than rushed to satisfy immediate expectations.
The Prime Minister also expressed appreciation for the role of Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) in supporting the current government. He described them as vital allies in pushing forward the reform agenda and acknowledged their role as one of the coalition’s central pillars. However, he also reminded that political collaboration must not be taken for granted. Negotiation, open dialogue, and continued engagement remain essential in maintaining alignment and trust among coalition partners.
Within Anwar's own party, concerns have surfaced regarding the government's commitment to institutional reform. Subang MP Wong Chen, a vocal figure in PKR, recently announced a temporary leave from his duties, citing the need to reflect on his political future. His remarks suggested a sense of unease about the pace and direction of reforms under the current administration.
Wong, who had supported Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli in the party's recent internal elections, was not re-elected to the PKR central leadership council. Rafizi, too, faced defeat and later offered to step down from his Cabinet role after being outvoted by Nurul Izzah Anwar.
Despite such internal challenges, Anwar remains firm in his belief that the reform process must continue. He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to pursue governance improvements, albeit within the constraints of political realities and coalition dynamics. For him, the path forward lies in building consensus and ensuring that change is sustainable, even if it comes gradually.
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