THE formation of a new Federal Government last week has brought hope and joy to many Malaysians, particularly Penangites, after witnessing Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim becoming the country’s 10th prime minister.
After a 24-year wait, Anwar, the Pakatan Harapan chairman, has ascended to the top post and pledged to bring the nation to greater heights.
Many Penangites were relieved after Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah picked Anwar to form a unity government since none of the coalitions managed to secure a minority government.
Buletin Mutiara has garnered feedback from people from all walks of life, including some of the stakeholders, on how the new Federal Government can help to tackle the rising living cost and to provide job opportunities, especially for the youths.
Yeoh Kee Chai (38, auditor)
“After waiting for more than two decades, Anwar has finally been able to land the country’s top executive position.
“It is a joy that is worth celebrating, but we need to overcome the inflationary pressures and the rising cost of living.
“These are the few aspects that need to be looked into by our government.”
Boey Ka Keong (34, banker)
“I hope the new unity government can look into the vulnerable M40 group, as many people from this category had been dealt a blow during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It is an alarming issue that needs to be addressed as many businesses are struggling to recover after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The new government must not rest on its laurels, but strive to find ways to work for the betterment of the people.”
Datuk Finn Choong (Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce vice-president)
“I hope the Cabinet that will be formed by the prime minister will be given sufficient time to produce results.
“A five-year term is needed to see the progress of the Government, and everyone should provide ample time to the ruling coalition.
“We look forward to long-term success.”
Suzana Abdul Rahman (35, clerk):
“I hope the new unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will prioritise Penang’s need for some of the mega infrastructure projects.
“This includes the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) and Penang South Islands (PSI) projects.
“Hopefully, Putrajaya will provide the necessary funding or grants for these projects to be implemented.
“After all, Penang has contributed tremendously to the economy of Malaysia being one of the top states in the country to draw investments.
“So, it is time for the state to be rewarded accordingly for the benefit of all Penangites.”
Taufiq Hidayat (31, engineer):
“I hope the new Federal administration can help to facilitate the implementation of critical infrastructure projects to solve the worsening road congestion issue in the state.
“That is all that matters to me. I hope there will be no more delays in implementing such projects.
“This is important because traffic congestion not only happens during normal working days but also during the weekends.
“There are too many vehicles in the state and this has caused massive jams almost every day.
“So, I hope the new Federal Government can pay close attention to this issue and work closely with the state government to overcome it.”
Indiran Nair (47, businessman):
“As for me, I hope the new Federal Government would be able to act fast by finding an effective solution to tackle the rising cost of living.
“It is now or never; the cost of living is increasing and goods and services are getting more expensive these days compared to many years ago.
“Thus, I hope the new Government can take immediate action to ease the people’s burden.”
Story by Edmund Lee and Riadz Akmal
Pix by Law Suun Ting and Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis and courtesy of interviewees