Govt’s 'first anniversary’ celebration plan slammed
Published on: Thursday, November 16, 2023
By:
FMT, Amirul Aiman
The unity government said it would hold a three-day event to commemorate the first year in power of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: The government’s decision to mark its first year in power with a three-day celebration has been criticised by a senator and a former MP.
Senator Ti Lian Ker said the current period of hardship and instability made such a celebration inappropriate and potentially insensitive.
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“The rakyat are suffering due to a weakening currency and worsening market conditions,” he told FMT, adding that the government’s achievements appeared limited to purely political circles, while the general population still grappled with financial and social challenges.
The former deputy youth and sports minister said a three-day celebration was not likely to appeal to the people who might not see any reason to celebrate.
“There is no cause to celebrate as the many promises of reforms have fallen short of their expectations.
“The money, time and energy or resources could be put to better or more productive use to benefit the rakyat.”
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Former Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah meanwhile questioned the need for a prolonged celebration, citing a lack of trust in the government and its deliverables.
“The amendments to citizenship laws are regressive.
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“Moreover, the retention of repressive laws such as the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 and the Sedition Act 1948 is no cause for celebration, along with the corruption fight which needs to be better managed,” she said.
Council of Professors fellow Jeniri Amir suggested that the celebration could be perceived as a failure to effectively disseminate the government’s policy achievements over the past year.
“You don’t need a celebration to explain your policy achievements, it could have been done over the past year,” he said.
Yesterday, the unity government said it would hold a three-day event to commemorate the first year in power of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration.
The event’s secretariat said the three-day function would showcase the Madani government’s achievements so far, “touchpoint services” rolled out for the people and other initiatives aimed at ensuring Malaysians’ welfare.
Since taking office in November 2022, Anwar has promised a number of reforms, key to which has been tackling the spiralling cost of living for ordinary Malaysians. However, he has come under fire from observers and opposition MPs alike for the slow pace of his reforms and the continued hardships suffered by the people.
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