Rome: The MADANI Government is willing to take hard and sometimes unpopular decisions to ensure development and projects that benefit the rakyat can be implemented, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, who is here on a three-day working visit, said despite criticism over the government’s move to implement certain policies such as subsidy rationalisation or tariff, they needed to be carried out for the benefit of the people.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted that previous governments spoke about removing subsidies from foreigners, yet no substantive actions were taken. The current administration is focusing on initiatives like subsidies and tax rationalisations to facilitate the construction of more schools, universities, and hospitals, serving the broader interests of the population.

During a dinner event, Anwar also emphasized the various programs and policies being undertaken by his government to ensure Malaysia remains competitive on the global stage. He addressed the Malaysian diaspora in Italy, urging them to act as ambassadors and assets to the nation. He encouraged them to seize opportunities to enhance their knowledge, skills, and networks, ultimately contributing back to Malaysia.

The dinner was attended by several dignitaries, including Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Malaysia’s Ambassador to Italy Datuk Zahid Rastam, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.