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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on all parties, including civil servants, to address national issues effectively, ensuring they are not exploited by irresponsible individuals or groups.
Speaking at a civil servant gathering at the Prime Minister's Department today, Anwar stressed that every issue should be managed properly and that matters raised on social media should not be sensationalised for personal gain.
“We are sometimes dragged into issues, especially on social media or in the media, because they thrive on sensationalism. Small matters that could be resolved effectively are often blown out of proportion,” Anwar remarked.
He pointed to cases like the temple dispute and the balloon seller controversy, which had been magnified to an extent where it seemed as though a major conflict was about to erupt, despite being issues that could be managed calmly.
“These issues can be dealt with well, which is why I strongly suggest that we should not allow room for exploitation,” he added. Anwar emphasised that there are still individuals who tend to politicise issues, disregarding the greater public interest in favour of their own agendas.
“Some people are so stubborn, failing to consider the public interest, and instead politicising everything, turning everything into a matter of punishment,” he said, highlighting the need for a more balanced approach.
Referencing the recent issue surrounding the relocation of the Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar noted that the MADANI government had successfully resolved the matter peacefully and with respect for the country’s diverse communities.
“Our country is diverse, with various ethnicities and religions, yet Islam is the religion of the Federation, and the strength of Islam is unquestioned. Our decisions must be based on clear principles,” he said.
The temple dispute was resolved when the temple management agreed to move the place of worship to a new location, a decision that was made amicably without escalating tensions.
Anwar also took the opportunity to remind all government ministries and departments to remain vigilant when it comes to issues of integrity, including leakage, corruption, and abuse of power.
“We cannot take these matters lightly, as there are still instances of negligence, leaks, and reports related to corruption. Therefore, leadership in departments and ministries must remain alert. Our goal is to protect the people and ensure that our country’s position is elevated,” he stressed.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities.
“The MADANI government will continue to implement its duties responsibly to ensure that Malaysia becomes a great and successful nation.
“We will do our best and will not betray this trust. Having faced many challenges and difficult crossroads in my life, I am determined to restore the dignity of this nation as a great and outstanding country,” Anwar added.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, along with several other senior government officials, including Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. – April 7, 2025