Anwar: Madani government does not sideline opposition-led states
KAJANG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed claims that the Madani government is sidelining opposition-led states, particularly Kelantan, stressing that political differences would not stop it from addressing the people's needs.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has refuted allegations that the Madani government is neglecting opposition-led states, particularly Kelantan. He emphasized that political disagreements would not prevent the administration from tackling the needs of the people. During the 2026 National Hawkers and Small Traders Day, Anwar joined other government officials, including Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim and Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek.
He addressed claims of discrimination against opposition-led states and the lack of assistance provided to Malays, clarifying that allocations for Islamic pondok schools in Kelantan had been discontinued since 2003. Consequently, many schools were in poor condition, with students studying in dilapidated buildings. The Prime Minister stated that his administration started restoring assistance to these schools in 2022, followed by honorarium payments for religious teachers in 2023 and repairs to damaged buildings in 2024.
Anwar urged hawker and small trader associations to communicate available government assistance to their members, stressing the importance of accurate information to counter false claims. He also addressed the issue of corruption, stating that wrongdoing should not be excused based on racial grounds. Anwar questioned why some people tolerated the theft of billions of ringgit when parents would scold their children for stealing even a pencil. He emphasized that morality should guide actions, not racial identity.
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