Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed claims of divisions within the Cabinet, assuring that cooperation among ministers and within the government remains strong despite speculation circulating on social media.
Anwar acknowledged that social media posts could give the impression of disagreements within the administration, but said Cabinet members continued to work together based on consensus.
“Although sometimes on social media it looks a little different, in terms of cooperation, the Cabinet and the government generally have very good consensus.
“This provides the stability needed for the government to plan and implement policies for the country’s future,” he said at the Plantation and Commodities Ministry’s monthly assembly today.
His remarks came after an international news portal recently quoted sources as claiming that relations between Anwar and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had become strained over several issues.
The report cited BN’s decision to contest against Pakatan Harapan in the recent Johor and Negri Sembilan elections among the factors allegedly contributing to the tension.
It also claimed that the alleged friction had resulted in Cabinet meetings recently being shorter than usual.
Anwar, however, said the government’s ability to maintain political stability and implement clear policies had helped Malaysia record stronger-than-expected economic growth despite a challenging global economic environment.
He cautioned government agencies against becoming complacent with their achievements, stressing that policies must be implemented more quickly and effectively.
Anwar also said the government needed to ensure policies formulated at the top remained connected to the needs and concerns of people at the grassroots level.
“We must listen to the grievances and problems from below.
“Sometimes there is a gap or disconnect between what we plan and what is desired at the grassroots level,” he said.
He said this included addressing the welfare of smallholders and plantation workers, particularly their long-standing housing issues.
