PM’s Special Briefing A Proactive Move To Tackle West Asia Crisis — Saarani

TANJUNG MALIM, March 28 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s initiative to meet with all Chief Ministers, Premiers, and Menteri Besar to discuss the nation’s economic outlook is being hailed as a proactive measure in addressing the West Asia crisis.

Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the move is crucial to ensure that the perspectives of all states are taken into account when formulating strategies to navigate increasingly complex global economic challenges.

“This is not the time for finger-pointing. Whoever is in office will face the same challenges, so we must confront them together,” he said at a press conference after officiating the Rumah Perakku Kota Malim Prima launch here today.

Yesterday, Anwar said the government plans to convene top leaders from each state, including political party representatives, for a special briefing expected to be held next week.

The Prime Minister added that the briefing, to be delivered by the National Security Council (MKN) and the National Economic Action Council (MTEN), is to discuss coordinated measures to safeguard economic sustainability and national security in light of the ongoing uncertainty in West Asia.

Saarani also emphasised that close cooperation between the federal and state governments is crucial to ensure that decisions are well-rounded and benefit all segments of society.

Meanwhile, in Gerik, UMNO secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the party will table several proposals during the upcoming meeting, particularly on immediate measures to alleviate the cost-of-living pressures affecting the public.

“I believe next week’s special briefing provides the ideal platform to raise the issues that matter most to the people,” he told reporters at the Aidilfitri Open House hosted by the Temengor assemblyman at Arena Gerik.

Asyraf Wajdi, who is also Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) chairman, added that given the current situation shaped by global challenges and international uncertainties, the government must prioritise the welfare of citizens in all its plans and actions.

On opposition calls for a special sitting of the Dewan Rakyat, he said the priority now should be swift executive action rather than parliamentary debates.

The media reported yesterday that opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin had formally submitted a request to the Prime Minister under Article 11(3) of the Dewan Rakyat Standing Orders to convene a special sitting.

-- BERNAMA