In a significant address at the annual congress of his party, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim commemorated his one-year anniversary in office by pledging to confront religious extremism, poverty, and economic hardships in the nation. The two-day event, held for the first time in the powerful administrative center of Putrajaya, unfolded against a backdrop of criticism directed at the former opposition party's perceived sluggishness in implementing promised reforms as the ruling party.
Addressing concerns about the pace of reforms, Anwar asserted, "Some say we are too slow in carrying out reforms. Some say we are not Islamic enough. I want to say that we must take the moderate and middle path, taking everyone into account. We are a Muslim country but we must think of others too." Emphasizing the complexity of addressing all issues within a year, he urged a measured and inclusive approach.
Anwar did not shy away from addressing the pressing issue of religious tolerance and combating bigotry. "As long as we are in power, we will not allow chaos in this country in the name of race and religion," he declared. The veiled reference appeared directed at the Malay-Muslim opposition coalition, Perikatan Nasional, known for its focus on ethnic matters.
In a bid to strengthen his so-called unity government, Anwar aims to navigate outreach to Malaysia's Malay-Muslim majority while retaining support from ethnic Chinese and Indian voters. The gathering saw leaders from Anwar's Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition and allies from Barisan Nasional and Borneo parties sharing the stage at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC).
Anwar's commitment extended beyond ideological battles to concrete pledges, including eradicating hardcore poverty, rejuvenating dilapidated schools and clinics, and addressing concerns about rising inflation. He outlined plans to shift towards targeted subsidies aimed at assisting the poor, emphasizing a departure from blanket subsidies on items such as petrol and cooking gas that disproportionately benefit higher-income Malaysians.
"Blanket subsidies are no longer relevant as the cost swells each year. Subsidies in 2022 totaled RM77.3 billion (S$22 billion), covering petrol, diesel, LPG, cooking oil, flour, and electricity... this will swell to RM81 billion in 2023 if we don’t resolve this immediately," Anwar explained. The move reflects an effort to channel resources more efficiently and address economic challenges.
Despite the promise of reforms, Anwar faces declining popularity, with his approval rating dropping from 68% in December 2022 to 50%, according to a survey by independent pollster Merdeka Center. Economic concerns, including the ever-rising cost of living, have contributed to the downturn. The survey highlighted that nearly eight in 10 respondents identified the economy as the top issue affecting Malaysians.
Furthermore, the approval rating of Anwar's unity government dipped from 54% in December 2022 to 41% in the latest survey conducted from October 4 to October 24. This decline underscores the challenges Anwar faces in maintaining broad support amid diverse concerns.
While addressing the congress, PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli anticipated a shift in focus from controversial speeches to discussions centered on national development. He stated, "I think the speeches… will be focused on the issue of nation-building and they may not be ‘hot’ and may be quite boring." This shift from contentious rhetoric marks a departure from previous years when meetings witnessed disputes, brawls, and chair-throwing incidents.
In contrast to the tumultuous past, the atmosphere at the PICC hall remained calm and collected during the two-day congress, symbolizing a departure from the confrontational tone of previous annual meetings. As the PKR leaders prepare to deliberate on Anwar's speech, the nation watches closely to discern the trajectory of Malaysia's political and economic landscape under Anwar Ibrahim's leadership.
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