SAN FRANCISCO, Nov 15 — The true test of a leader occurs when they are in power as they must deliver rather than just espouse pious platitudes, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Because, finally, you are judged by your actions. People do give you some grace period, but then they will have to see whether you mean business.
“It applies to all political leaders, all opposition leaders who attain power by fighting corruption and abuse of power,” Anwar said when asked how leaders can ensure that they are not being hijacked by rhetoric and be able to focus on the real issues while being responsible for the next generation.
“The test is, whether you can really deliver when you are in a position of responsibility. Second, of course, is clear economic policies,” he said during a question-and-answer session at the 30th Apec Chief Executive Officer Summit entitled: “The Global Economy and State of The World” here Wednesday.
According to the Prime Minister, trust deficits happen when leaders don’t deliver.
“So, you’re right, because of that, people have trust deficits against leaders, political leaders, because of the rhetoric, the pious platitude. When there are no concrete actions.”
Anwar arrived here on Monday (Nov 13) for the 30th Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) from Nov 14 to 17, marking his maiden visit for the official meeting as Prime Minister of Malaysia.
He is accompanied by his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil as well as other senior government officials.
— Bernama
