Country’s progress must include all Malaysians, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia cannot claim progress while at the same time having some groups left behind, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister stressed that the country’s progress also means the rakyat’s progress.

“Regardless of race, whether it involves those from the interior or poverty. This is our responsibility.

“This is not easy as some prefer to speak about districts and territories, race and positions instead.

“We must remember that developing the country means uplifting the rakyat as well. No one must be left behind,” he said in his speech at the launch of the National Heart Institute (IJN) University College here on Tuesday (Nov 4).

Anwar added that any issues, including those involving bright students, are raised in Cabinet meetings, where solutions are found.

He also stressed the importance of developing the country in a manner that covers both human values and expertise.

“It is not just about developing warehouses, labs or specialists. While those are important, what we really want is to develop humans.

“How can we do this without passion or compassion?” he said.

Anwar praised IJN for its achievements, acknowledging that its services are on par with the best in the world.

“The specialists are excellent and the facilities are great. At the same time, IJN’s success is contributed by cleaners, nurses and technicians who are also staff here.

“That is where the values of humanity come in. The best should be rewarded accordingly while other groups, like cleaners, must be given respect as they also contribute,” he said.