MIRI: The political stability achieved in this country over the past two years should not be misused by political leaders to strengthen their positions but should serve as an opportunity to implement good policies for the people, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said this stability, which has led to a strengthening of the ringgit, a decrease in unemployment and more controlled inflation, has allowed the current government to focus on efforts to develop the people of this country.
"Sometimes there are still some politicians who are quite desperate, feeling overwhelmed; they see the economy growing, the ringgit strengthening, unemployment decreasing, and job opportunities increasing with more controlled inflation.
"For them, the way out is to incite hatred among races and anxiety due to differences in religious understanding," he said while officiating at the Madani Rakyat 2024 Sarawakku Sayang Programme here today.
He noted that the harmonious understanding among races experienced in Sarawak, which serves as the foundation for political stability in the region, should be used as an example for other states to enable them to focus on development efforts.
To ensure that eligible citizens receive aid under the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah, Anwar also announced direct cash payments for STR recipients in Sabah and Sarawak who do not have bank accounts.
This cash distribution programme was launched during the Madani Rakyat (2024 PMR) here and will also be initiated during his visit to Kapit tomorrow.
"There are village heads who said that in their longhouses, there are no bank accounts. That is why there are 500,000 eligible STR recipients here who do not have bank accounts," he said.
He also expressed appreciation for the public's support for the 2024 PMR, which aims to provide information to the public about government services directly and to gather feedback from the people.
"Although the target (number of visitors) for the Sarawakku Sayang Madani Programme is 100,000, we have already recorded 70,000 visitors so far. This shows that the public response is increasingly enthusiastic," he added.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, in his speech, said the strengthening of the ringgit has proven the unity government's ability under Anwar's leadership to stabilise the political situation in the country.
This stability, he said, should be leveraged by the government to focus on economic development.
Abang Johari added that the Sarawak government's focus at the moment is on strengthening its position in the green energy and agriculture sectors.
Abang Johari also said that the political stability enjoyed over the past two years, after the unity government was formed, may further improve and help strengthen the country's economy.
"This signifies that our economy is recovering, but there is still a long way to go.
"That is why my colleagues and I warmly welcome the initiative to hold the Madani Rakyat programme," he said.