Keep pushing for reforms, Anwar tells Pakatan, civil society groups

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on those in the opposition and civil society movements to continue pressing for reforms in view of the current widespread awareness among Malaysians on the need for change. The former opposition leader, who recently declared support for arch-nemesis Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in the latter's push for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's resignation, said the current system of governance had failed to resolve the country's woes. "We have reached a point where there is widespread awareness of the need for change. "The leadership of Najib and the system of governance has failed to resolve the country's critical economic troubles," he said in a statement tonight. He said the economic situation in the country as of late had worsened,  undeniable proof of the increasing difficulties and challenges faced by the people. "The price of essential goods is increasing and the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST) is confusing and burdensome." He added that the Umno-Barisan Nasional government seemed uninterested in taking effective action to reduce the burdens of the people. "For example, with the reduction of petrol prices, the electricity rates charged by independent power producers owned by cronies were not reduced. "Their profits have increased by millions of ringgit annually, but the rakyat still pays high rates for electricity. "Therefore, I urge my friends in PKR, Pakatan Harapan and NGOs to push on with the demand for the reforms for which we have struggled all this while," Anwar said. Anwar is currently serving a five-year jail term at the Sungai Buloh prison for sodomy. On March 4, the de-facto PKR leader reportedly said the call for change should involve reforms within key institutions in the country. He also said the rights of the people should be returned through free and fair elections, as well as independent judiciary and free media. He said he supported the position of friends in civil society, political parties and individuals including Dr Mahathir, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and others to build up strength and understanding together as recently articulated by the opposition leader. – March 9, 2016.]]>