The announcement that Tambun Member of Parliament Anwar Ibrahim will be appointed as the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia brought sunshine and relief to most Malaysians.
Had any of our former prime ministers be reappointed, our country will again go through the dark times of the past few years. It will be like not being able to wake up from a prolonged nightmare.
Whether Anwar would eventually become a successful prime minister is left to be seen, but at least he brings hope to Malaysians eager for change, and a better Malaysia for those who are truly patriotic.
His qualities need no introduction. What I am personally impressed is his enunciation of English words, considering that he did not further his studies in an English-speaking country. His English proficiency was due to the high standard of education decades ago.
His secondary education was at the Malay College Kuala Kangsar, also known as the Elton of the East. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in Malay Studies at the University of Malaya, and master’s degree through Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia while in prison from 1974 to 1975.
But for now, he will have a tough time forming an all-inclusive cabinet. However, one of the easiest choices to helm the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture would surely be Nancy Shukri, who has expressed interest to continue with her favourite ministry.
Earlier, she has received unequivocal support from many NGOs and trade associations. In 2019, the gross value added of tourism industries amounted to a hefty RM240.2 billion. Although this amount plunged considerably in 2020 and 2021, we are now gradually recovering.
It will be no surprise if the figure will surpass RM300 billion in a few years’ time. Therefore, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry must be helmed by the right MP and given adequate budget as investment to generate more revenue for both the government and private sector.
The views expressed here are strictly those of YS Chan from Kuala Lumpur.