IPOH: The implementation of the Malaysia Madani concept must emphasise on community balance to ensure that growth are felt by all levels of society, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
He said the landmark of societal development should not only be marked by mere "famous and tall buildings" but also a balance between the upper class and the ordinary people.
"Between the 'mahligai' (castle-like houses) and the ordinary people's houses, between luxury restaurants and food stalls which are beautiful and clean. There is also greenery and parks for the people (to enjoy)," he said.
He said this when officiating the National Landscape Day Celebration 2023 (HLN2023), held at Taman D.R. Seenivasagam, here, today.
Also present were Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming and Ipoh mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin.
The prime minister added that implementation should start at the state level.
"In Kuala Lumpur, there are dozens of (development) projects like this, there's Twin Towers, KL Towers but the stalls are dilapidated like in the 50s.
"I don't want Malaysia to be an example of only having the tallest building, the longest bridge, the biggest building, but in between, the people are suffering," he said.
Anwar called on mayors and local council chairpersons across the country to re-examine their development plans to ensure progress are balanced and done with the people's interest in mind.
"There will be no one who (can) feel that they can take away the rights of the people and get away with it. I will make sure this does not happen.
"Give the government the opportunity to clean the country from robbers and focus on the interests of the people," he said.