Advertisement
Malaysia’s new PM Anwar Ibrahim says tackling high living costs top priority, cabinet size will be reduced
- Anwar, who reported for duty at the prime minister’s office on Friday, said his primary concern was the economy
- His appointment as premier ended five days of unprecedented post-election crisis in Malaysia
Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
2
Malaysia’s newly appointed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Friday his primary focus would be on the cost of living as he takes office with a slowing economy and a country deeply split after a close election.
Advertisement
Anwar, 75, was sworn in as premier on Thursday, capping a three-decade political journey from a protégé of veteran leader Mahathir Mohamad to protest leader, a prisoner convicted of sodomy and opposition figurehead.
Mahathir on Friday congratulated Anwar in a message on Twitter on his appointment as prime minister.
Anwar, who was appointed by Malaysia’s king on Thursday following an inconclusive election, said his primary concern was the economy and he would have a smaller cabinet than those of previous administrations.
“My priority now is addressing the cost of living,” he told a news conference after reporting for duty at the prime minister’s office.
Anwar has yet to announce any cabinet appointments for his coalition government. He had earlier indicated there would be two deputy prime ministers in his cabinet – one from former ruling alliance Barisan and another from smaller political blocs in Malaysia Borneo.
Advertisement