KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin promised to appoint Cabinet members of caliber who have integrity and a clean track record.
Muhyiddin, who was sworn in as the 8th Prime Minister on Sunday, said he is aware that the people want a clean and corrupt-free government, one that works with integrity.
“The government that I lead will also prioritise efforts to enhance integrity and good governance,” he said in his maiden address to the nation, titled ‘An Appeal to Malaysians’, and aired over all local television networks.
Muhyiddin said this include efforts to eradicate corruption and abuse of power by enhancing enforcement and empowering relevant laws, regulations and practices.
This was his first address to the nation after taking his oath of office as the 8th Prime Minister before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara yesterday.
Muhyiddin said he understands that what the people desired is for a caring and an efficient government capable of solving their problems.
In a speech that reflected the will to address these people-related issues, he said: “You need money for your daily necessities, to buy books and your children’s schooling necessities, to pay your water and electric bills and your house rental, to cover your car and housing loans and other needs of the family.”
The prime minister went on to say that health services, education and the implementation of the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (SPV2030) would also be given focus.
“I have no intention to be confrontational with anyone. I just wish to provide a little clarification on what has actually happened so that my sincerity is not questioned.
“I did not covet the post of prime minister. I only came forward to save the situation when the two candidates for prime minister did not get the majority support of the members of the Dewan Rakyat,” he said.
Muhyiddin said that at the outset, he and all the MPs from Bersatu gave their undivided support to Dr Mahathir for prime minister but, unfortunately, he (Dr Mahathir) failed to garner the majority support from the other MPs.
“This was explained in the statement that was issued by Istana Negara on Feb 28, 2020,” he said.
As such, he said, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong took the wise decision of inviting the heads of all political parties to nominate a candidate who commanded the confidence of the majority of the members of the Dewan Rakyat.
The prime minister said he knows that Malaysians want a country that is stable, peaceful and prosperous that offers a better life for all.
For this purpose, Muhyiddin said the government he leads will give emphasis to the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 to propel the country’s economic growth and narrow the economic gap in society.
“Join me to rebuild our country and restore its glory,” he said.
— BERNAMA
