KUALA PILAH, August 1 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that Malaysia’s reputation has soared on the global stage due to its effective governance, robust policies, and stable political climate, which has also attracted foreign investments. Anwar highlighted that this recognition was evidenced when Tesla Inc CEO Elon Musk personally expressed his commitment to open the company’s headquarters in Cyberjaya later this year during a meeting with the Prime Minister. He regarded this as a great honor for Malaysia, a testament to the country’s economic policies, including the Madani Economy, and the transparent leadership of the Unity Government.
The stability in politics is crucial to revive the economy and attract investors. In the past, investors were hesitant to come here, and even prominent foreign leaders rarely visited Malaysia. But now, we see positive changes. Last week, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines visited Malaysia after 49 years, and it was for an international conference, Anwar said during his speech at the Unity Campaign Rally held here on Monday. The Prime Minister also mentioned that Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who is scheduled to visit Malaysia on Thursday to discuss investment opportunities, expressed his strong desire to further enhance Brunei-Malaysia relations to their best historical level.
In another development, Anwar condemned certain individuals who manipulated the statements of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah for political purposes and emphasized that he would not sympathize with any party disrespecting the royal institution. We have a Constitution that we adhere to. Let’s not create issues. I do not sympathize with anyone trying to undermine the powers of the royalty, he asserted. As the Minister of Finance, Anwar also informed that he would chair a meeting to align the salaries and pensions of civil servants next week.
However, he explained that the process might take a minimum of six months, considering the circumstances of budget constraints. As an interim measure, he announced a temporary allowance of RM300 for civil servants earning less than RM100,000 per year, including a RM100 contribution to their e-wallet, totaling RM400. Retirees will receive RM200 plus RM100 contribution, amounting to RM300, and we will also grant RM200 to non-pensioned military veterans. These measures are temporary, given our financial constraints, he stated.
