Anwar: Reforms must be gradual amid political realities

by AUFA MARDHIAH
PRIME Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended the government's gradual pace of reforms, citing the political realities of leading a coalition without a parliamentary majority.
Speaking at the launch of the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance University's (Inceif) International Centre for Research and Innovation in Islamic Economics (i-RISE Centre) today, Anwar said Malaysia's current political structure demands wisdom and consensus-building, rather than abrupt changes that risk destabilising the administration.
'We have 82 seats under Pakatan Harapan (PH) — not even a simple majority. So yes, it has to be done with 'hikmah' (wisdom),' he said.
He also stressed the importance of cross-party consensus, especially among coalition partners such as UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN), to ensure sustained reform momentum.
'We must get consensus between the key parties…that's how we embark on support for alternative programmes like INCEIF or i-RISE,' he added.
Responding to criticism from those demanding faster reforms, Anwar cautioned that rushed moves could backfire under current political constraints.
He also pointed to the broader failures in Muslim-majority countries, stating that the problem lies not in the absence of Islamic principles, but in endemic corruption and abuse of power.
'The flaw is not that we lack Islamic instruments — it's that they are blatantly corrupted,' he said.
Despite the challenges, Anwar reaffirmed his administration's commitment to consistent progress.
'Every month and every year, there must be some progression. There is no turning back,' he said.

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