JOHOR BARU: Malaysians should put aside their differences and throw their support behind Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as he works towards reforms for the country, says a local leader.

Johor DAP committee member Dr Boo Cheng Hau said the Prime Minister had been working steadfastly to reform and improve the country in many ways.

"Anwar has shown unwavering determination to reform the economic system, protect the progressive growth of our democracy, pro-actively fight corruption and maintain Malaysia's long-standing pragmatic non-aligned foreign policy.

"These efforts have temporarily stabilised the depreciation of Malaysian ringgit in recent weeks.

"I believe the Malaysian ringgit would be further consolidated if our economy is reformed substantially," he said in a statement on Thursday (March 28).

He added that Anwar had also adopted a pragmatic approach to reaffirm Malaysia's non-aligned foreign policy, while also maintaining a cordial relationship with both China and the West.

He said that the Prime Minister's recent visits to western democracies had assured the world about the country's political value.

"Anwar visited China at the early stage of his premiership and welcomed China's investment in long-term economic development projects in Malaysia.

"His recent official visits to western democracies, including Australia and Germany, speak volumes and reassure the world that Malaysia's political values are based on parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy.

"In other words, re-establishing stable trade relationships and dialogues with China does not compromise our democratic values and sovereignty," he said.

He added that Malaysians need to realise that the country is facing new challenges, especially competition from other emerging economies.

"In order to uplift our own competitiveness as a nation, Malaysians need to set aside all differences, divisions and the dichotomy.

"Malaysians do not have time and energy to waste squabbling over divisive narratives.

"We have to unite as one nation to explore the humongous challenges in the outside world," he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/03/28/malaysians-should-unite-and-support-anwar039s-reforms-says-johor-leader