PH leaders congratulate Anwar

After days of waiting for the appointment of the prime minister following the results of the 15th general election that saw none of the parties or political coalitions obtaining a simple majority, the PH leaders expressed joy over the news that their top leader had been chosen to lead the new Malaysian government.

Among them were Anwar's wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also the PKR advisory council chairman; his eldest daughter Nurul Izzah Anwar, who is also PKR vice-president; DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng; Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and his deputy Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa; Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman; PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli; DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook; and United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) vice-president Datuk Ewon Benedict.

Lim thanked the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah for appointing Anwar as Prime Minister to form a Unity Government that represents all Malaysians.

"Let us join Anwar to defend the Malaysian Federal Constitution and ensure economic progress for all. For a better Malaysia," he wrote in his post on Facebook.

Turning to social media to share his happiness over Anwar's appointment, Rafizi urged all Malaysians, especially the coalition's supporters and members, to respect the decision and calm the situation down after GE15.

"We must all move forward and learn to cooperate to rebuild Malaysia for the future and prosperity of every citizen from all groups, races, states and backgrounds," he said.

Nurul Izzah said the challenges awaiting her father after this afternoon's swearing-in ceremony would, among others, be the effort to unite compatriots, review the economic woes plaguing the country, attract investments through economic stimulation and local talent, and build an ummah and a nation based on social justice and patriotism.

"The legacy we should leave for our children and future generations is not property, rank or money but idealism and principles of struggle that cannot be bought or sold. Make the future our time together," she said in a post on Facebook.

Meanwhile, Terengganu PH chairman Datuk Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad said Malaysia's future would be brighter with the unity government led by Anwar, who has a high profile on the international stage, having been the Finance Minister previously, and would bring in foreign investors to Malaysia.

"It is hoped that all Malaysians will be united under (the leadership of) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim," he told Bernama.

DAP's Bentong MP, Young Syefura Othman said that the sacrifices made by Anwar, who has gone through so much over the years, finally paid off.

"I can't wait to join him (Anwar) in Parliament to draft policies and carry out reforms for the people of Malaysia," she said.

Describing the appointment of Anwar as the start of a new era for Malaysia, Ewon said the PH chairman had the necessary leadership to manage the current economic problems and implement the reform agenda in government governance.