Anwar confident of being PM for five years, urges voters to reject race-based politics

GEORGETOWN - Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is confident that he will be able to lead the country as Prime Minister for five years and eliminate the culture of corruption among some of the nation's leaders.

Anwar said he received the backing of his colleagues to serve as the Prime Minister of the unity government for the last eight months.

"I want to tell you that my friends (in the unity government) are supporting me to be Prime Minister, not just for eight months, but God willing, five years (in the come).

"But in the past eight months, we have done our best. First, (we emphasise) good governance. We won't tolerate it (poor management) anymore—end corruption in this country.

"When we take action on corruption, they say we hold a grudge (against them). I will not tolerate it; just because you are a 'Tun' doesn't mean we would let it slide. No. You can hit, insult, and lower my dignity; I can forgive you but I cannot forgive you if you steal from the rakyat," he said when speaking at the Penang Civil Unity Tour Lecture at Persiaran Karpal Singh on Saturday.

Previously, Perikatan Nasional (PN) Chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin claimed the coalition government formed by Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) would be short-lived and seen as disorganised.

Muhyiddin, also Bersatu President, said that Umno, led by Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, was a liability to the government led by Anwar.

Anwar, also the PH Chairman, said the upcoming state elections would witness the rakyat rising and denouncing political parties that use racial incitement to divide the people following the stability of the federal government.

"When they were in power, they stole money, took projects, took land. They claim they want to save the Malays when they have no power. This is a political trick. These people have been Prime Ministers, (became) ministers, and they have been in power for a long time. When they lose power, suddenly they go 'for the Malays'.

"Malays are not stupid now; Malays, this time, will make decisions to save the country for Malays, Chinese, Indians and others. We must thank Chow Kon Yeow for his leadership by continuing the excellent work.

"Penang is a state that serves as a model for good governance, managing the economy effectively, and ensuring that people of all races have a place within its borders," he said.

The PKR President said he was confident that PH in Penang, under the leadership of Chow, would receive a mandate and strong support from Malay voters in the upcoming state elections.

"I believe the Malays' awakening and awareness to join the PH struggle will begin in Penang. The Malays' awareness started in Penang, and the people's awakening occurred with Pakatan Rakyat's victory in 2008, also in Penang.

"It is important to ensure that we preserve our strength, foundation, and leadership by empowering the rakyat to drive positive change within our country," he said.

Anwar said he holds a positive outlook toward the future of Penang and promises to keep an eye on the state as long as he serves as the Prime Minister.

"The upcoming state elections mark a crucial moment for our country to establish a new foundation. Voters need to send a clear message that they reject politics based on race.

"I don't just want to win the state elections; I want to succeed with confidence, and the majority of people reject racism. Every vote, including from the Chinese, is very critical.

"I remind the Chinese voters that without the support of Barisan Nasional, PH will not be able to form the central government," he said.