Reforms delayed are reforms denied, says Anwar in Bukit Beruntung speech

Changes or reforms to be undertaken must be carried out while still holding power, and not after no longer being in government, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said past experience had shown that some leaders were vocal when no longer in power but failed to implement the necessary changes after being given the mandate as Prime Minister or minister, and such a situation should not be repeated.

“When they have power, they plunder wealth or do nothing. When they no longer have power, they complain every day,” he said in his speech at the ‘Hari Keluarga & Rapat Reformis Kebangsaan 2026’ event in Bukit Beruntung, Rawang, here today.

As for the Madani Government, he said reforms must be undertaken in a rational and wise manner through consultation and deliberation with the party leaders in it.

Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.

The PKR president acknowledged that implementing change is not an easy task, given the differing priorities among the parties within the Unity Government, which must be managed wisely.

“All these parties (in the government) each have their own priorities, so we must steer wisely,” he said.

The Prime Minister also stressed that the government remains steadfast in its reform agenda, particularly in combating corruption, abuse and misuse of power, and that these principles cannot be compromised.

“But one thing we cannot deny is that we stand firm in bringing about change. Reject corruption, reject abuse, reject arrogance,” he said.

In addition, Anwar said the commitment to upholding the independence of the judiciary and integrity in governance forms the core of the reform agenda currently being implemented by the Madani Government.

At the event, the Prime Minister expressed special appreciation to PKR veterans (otai-otai reformis) for their sacrifices and contributions to the party’s struggle.

In this regard, he proposed that each party division establish a veterans unit to consolidate the energy and experience of reformist veterans, thereby strengthening the organisation at the grassroots level.

At the same event, Anwar also officiated the launch of halal logo certification for the Gula Rahmah (Rahmah Sugar) product, offered at an affordable price of RM2.70 per kilogramme.

According to a statement by HMBE Legacy Sdn Bhd, the Gula Rahmah initiative is implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) under the Malaysia Madani framework, Rakyat Disantuni.

The product is certified halal, with the entire processing, packaging and distribution complying with the prescribed food safety and quality control standards, and involves 100 per cent Bumiputera small and medium enterprises (SMEs).