Anwar's Directions and Strategies are Clear

IF YOU have been taught to exercise some critical thinking, you would see what I observed in the past 22 months since Anwar Ibrahim became the country's 10th prime minister.

        In fact, the initiatives that he undertook showed there was a plan being unfolded, much to the chagrin of Opposition lawmakers. 

        Touted PMX, Anwar's main focus in the first few months was the B40 community. This has been his burning desire to help the B40 Malays since he was Finance Minister in the 90s. 

RM100 into e-Wallet 

        Unlike his nemesis Dr. Mahathir Mohamad who pumped money into the mega projects benefiting only a handful of cronies, Anwar's strategy  was to inject RM100 billion into the country's economy to pump prime the economy. 

        If you are a Malaysian citizen aged 21 years old and above (as of 2023), earning an annual income of RM100,000 and below, you would have received RM100 e-Wallet. 

        There were a lot of criticisms even when Anwar did this, but few ever think why it is better for the money to go to the B40 and M40 when it could be used to build hospitals and schools. Some even complained that the wealthy T20 did not get anything. 

        My argument was that this money will eventually find its way up to T20 to benefit the wealthy Malaysians who are in some sorts of businesses. Small amounts of money like this helped to jumpstart the sluggish economy.

        Some may label this policy as populist, yet it stands as a strategic approach to bolster the country's GDP. By distributing modest sums to the B40 and M40 groups, these funds are aptly directed towards lubricating the economic machinery that is now gaining momentum.

The Poor Paddy Farmers

        Kedah is supposed to be the rice bowl of Malaysia, but the paddy farmers are still among the poorest people in the country. 

        After 67 years of nationhood, Malaysia's paddy production is still lagging behind Vietnam and India despite all the rain and sunshine we enjoy.

        His first attempts were to help these poor paddy farmers. Anyone remember how Anwar squeezed Bernas CEO, Syed Mokhtar to give an allocation of RM10 million to poor farmers in December 2022, and another RM50 million in 2023.

        I wonder in the accumulation of great wealth, did former Finance Minister Daim Zainuddin or Dr. Mahathir's son, Mokhzani ever give from their wealth millions to help the poor Malays farmers. If not, why not?

Water Woes

        was immediately faced with state elections in Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. 

        Obviously, he had to travel to these states to boost the campaign in these states. At the same time, he looked into the water woes of Kedah, Kelantan, which were under the grip of PAS Islamic party, and Sabah. There was no state election in Sabah. 

        This clearly showed that Anwar was not only focused on helping those who supported him, but his attempt to make friends with even his enemies for the sake of unity and rebuilding the nation. After all, the man's desire is to build a legacy for the remaining years of his life. 

        Then, there are those who say that they do not see reforms to the country. 

Overseas Trips

        After visiting the entire country to consolidate his position, Anwar's next move was towards international relations.

        Every effort was mend the broken ties with both Australia and Singapore during Dr Mahathir's two terms as premier. This was what Abdullah A. Badawi had to do, as soon as he took over the premiership from Dr. Mahathir. 

        Anwar's main focus was to bring in the foreign direct investments (FDI) which has started to bear fruits.

MACC's Reforms: Anti-Corruption 

        Almost every day we read about both public servants and private sector industry captains being arrested and charged by the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission. 

        For the first time in the history of this nation, Daim Zainuddin and his wife were charged in court by the corruption busters. No prime minister in the past dared to touch Daim or Dr. Mahathir's own children. 

        Perhaps, in the next twelve months, we may see more cases of the so-called 'big fish' being charged for unexplainable great wealth. 

        Both customs and immigration staff have also been arrested and charged in court. 

        Even within the Royal Malaysian Police force, the current Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Razarudin Husain, his successor, Deputy IGP Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay and Criminal Investigation Department (CID) chief Shuhaily Mohd Zain have lashed out against corrupt OCPDs. 

        Just search for the keyword SPRM or MACC in YouTube or TikTok, you will be surprised to see how many cases. Plus, in the news almost every day there is a case or two all across the country. Anti-corruption campaign is on fourth gear now.

KPDN's Reforms: Fight against Higher Cost of Living 

        If one cares to search for the keyword KPDN (Ministry of Domestic Trade and and Cost of Living) on TikTok or YouTube, there are many videos showing KPDN's raids on retailers who are hoarding cooking oil, sugar and other countrolled items.

        Smugglers had a tough time when these KPDN officers raised their transit depots. 

        So, if you are telling me that there are no reforms, you must wake up now. See for yourself just some of the videos. 

Targeted Subsidies

        There is a loud outcry over the recent increase in the government's withdrawal of diesel subsidies. 

        Most of the noises were made by the Opposition lawmakers, but a lot of lies were also told. 

        The government has to ensure that the subsidies are targeted and not going into the hands of smugglers and the rich. 

        Most Malaysians know that diesel was smuggled out of the country to neighbouring countries, but nothing was done to arrest the problem. 

        Now, you can see videos on social media and read in the news how many of these smugglers were caught while filling up their tankers with diesel to be transported across the borders. 

        The Government channelled the subsidies back to the sectors of the industry that will eventually translate into a lower inflation rate. 

        People may become cynical, as they see prices of controlled items being sold at high prices. But, ask them the next time you hear their grouses: Do they ever make complaints or provide information to enforcement unit of KPDN? It's not difficult. Ask them to fill in the form: https://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my/aduansuri.

        There are also talks about cutting down the subsidies for RON95 petrol. There will be a lot of hue and cry over this, but this has become necessary especially since the country is spending billions in subsidies every year.

        Honestly, Anwar and his cabinet still have a lot of reforms to carry out. For example, the performance of public servants especially in the local government is still found wanting. But, Anwar should not be blame for failure to solve this longstanding issue; instead, people should look at what his cabinet minister, Nga Kor Meng is doing about it as Minister of Housing and Local Government.

        There are, however, a number of the cabinet ministers who have been performing a good job. The moment Dr Zaliha Mustafa became Minister of Health, she looked the problems faced by the 

        For example, there has never been any Minister of Home Affairs apart from Saifuddin Nasution Ismail who has looked into the plight of the stateless people. 

        The cleaning up of illegal immigrants in Malaysia is also largely through his good efforts.Together with Human Resources Minister, Steven Sim, they have also looked into the recruitment of foreign workers to reduce the need for intermediaries who charge 

      What about the achievements made by Tourism Minister, Tiong King Sing? 

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