IPOH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on the people not to rush in demanding the changes promised by the unity government.
Anwar, who is also the Tambun Member of Parliament, said the people should raise issues prudently so that they can be effectively resolved.
"The public needs to understand that not all problems can be solved immediately. As such, any requests made in a constructive manner will be reviewed, and we will endeavor to address them," he said in his speech when meeting the Indian community in the Tambun parliamentary area at Dewan Komuniti Chemor here today.
As an example, Anwar cited the recent Cabinet decision to guarantee a place at any matriculation centre for non-Malay students who achieve 10 As in their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination.
Despite the decision made by the Cabinet over the matter, Anwar said there was a possibility that out of the ten eligible students, only two have yet to receive the matriculation offer.
He added that those who have not received the offer should not speak ill of it if they have not approached the matter in a considerate manner.
"We have directed that every eligible student should receive it (a place in the matriculation centre).
"Let me stress that this decision applies nationwide, and any student who scores 10As must automatically qualify for matriculation.
"However, there are one or two Chinese students who did not receive it, and then we hear criticisms like 'this government is deceitful and tyrannical.'"
Anwar added that: "Speak politely, and if feasible, we will provide assistance. It is acceptable to voice concerns, but do not imply that Anwar is unaware of everything. That would be incorrect."
The government under his leadership, Anwar said, has never marginalised the Indian community.
This includes an additional RM50 million for the funding programme under the National Business Group Economic Fund (Tekun), and another RM50 million for the Indian Women's Empowerment Special Fund (Penn) under Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM).
"Don't be adversaries, don't sow division.... When the Indian community communicates positively with me, I take notice and try to address their concerns.
"Regarding the awarding of Petronas Scholarships to Indian students, which used to focus only on Malay students, now Petronas employs more than 1,000 Indian staff," he said.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said there are three years remaining before his current term as prime minister ends.
He stressed the importance of setting a good example by not awarding tenders to his family and being modest.
"I will never resort to receiving RM10 million and distributing RM1 million each to my wife, my son, and my son-in-law. I will never do that.
"I have been working as Prime Minister for one and a half years. I have not awarded any tenders to my family, and I do not even take a salary now as Prime Minister.
"Even when offered an expensive RM2 million car, I refused it. I want to prove to the people that not all Prime Ministers are like that. I want to be an inspiration to the people," he said.
Anwar said he is aware that the people are facing difficult times, with rising prices of goods and some struggling to have enough to eat.
"As a leader, you must focus on solving these problems. If you only think about your children, sons-in-law, and friends, how can you truly help the people?" he said.