Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has apologised if his firm and outspoken remarks during engagements with civil servants were perceived as being too harsh.
Speaking at the Prime Minister and Chief Secretary to the Government’s Meet-and-Greet Session with Central Zone Civil Servants at Universiti Islam Selangor (UIS), Anwar acknowledged that his speaking style may seem unusual to some people who believe a prime minister should always speak calmly.
“Many people tell me I shouldn’t raise my voice because I’m the Prime Minister. I try to tone it down, but sometimes when I speak about matters that deeply concern me, I have to raise my voice,” he said.
“I apologise if it is considered inappropriate for a Prime Minister. Some people may think a Prime Minister should always remain calm, but I don’t see it that way.”
Anwar stressed that his intention was never to scold civil servants, but to emphasise the important role they play in implementing government policies and driving the country’s development agenda.
“If that is seen as a mistake, I apologise. But believe me, I’m only expressing what I genuinely feel.”
“Who else should I share these concerns with if not my own team—the machinery responsible for carrying out the nation’s programmes and policies?” he added.
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to thank civil servants for their dedication and commitment, describing them as the backbone behind the achievements of the MADANI Government.
He said that while the Prime Minister is often the first person credited whenever the government records a success, such accomplishments would not have been possible without the hard work, intelligence and dedication of the civil service.
Also present at the event were Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz and UIS vice-chancellor Datuk Prof Dr Mohd Farid Ravi Abdullah.
