Anwar: “I haven’t considered becoming finance minister again”

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that he has not considered retaining the finance portfolio for himself as he begins the process of forming his Cabinet.

“We will look at all the possibilities but at the moment I have not considered that,” he was reported as saying by FMT following Friday prayers in Putrajaya.

Anwar was a former finance minister and was previously considered to be an heir-apparent to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad – the country’s longest-serving prime minister – before his political rise was cut short in the wake of the Asian economic crisis in July 1997.

Both mentor and protege had a bitter falling out over the country’s response to the crisis.

Earlier today (Nov 25) Anwar stressed that the issue of the rising cost of living will be given priority by his unity government to alleviate the burden shouldered by the people.

He said a meeting with the relevant agencies and departments will be held on Monday (Nov 28) at the latest to discuss the issue, including the price of goods.

“Even with the positive signs, such as the upside strength seen for ringgit and the stock markets, that showed increased confidence in the current government, I think the priority should continue to be given to the rising cost of living and price of goods that are plaguing and burdening the people,” he told reporters on his first day in office at Perdana Putra on Friday. – Nov 25, 2022

 

Main pic credit: Pejabat Perdana Menteri

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