Prisoners

"I was asked by the (Turkish) president (Recep Tayyip Erdoğan) to be there (in Turkey) immediately, to give moral support (in the aftermath of 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake). (And) I am considering whether I should fly tonight to Türkiye to show our support. Several leaders of other countries have arrived in the country, and the president has asked me to personally be there."

"The Agong (Muhammad V of Kelantan) has indicated that he is willing to pardon Anwar. It needs to be a full pardon. More importantly, Anwar must be released immediately (from prison), after he is granted pardon by the King."

"As what I explained in the previous (parliamentary) session, although it was a decision made by the previous government, to increase electricity tariff, the government now has withdrawn the suggestion and will only impose that on the T20 (top 20 income group) that are the multinational corporations (MNC) and other big companies, unless they are companies that are involved in food security."

"Indonesia accepted me as a true friend, so I will never forget that. Indonesia is a neighbour, we share the same roots and have a good friendship. It (Indonesia) was also a true friend at a time when I was cast out and sidelined."

"I know there are comments like 'Anwar likes to toy with numbers'. I seldom want to answer these, but I want to say here that any investigation into alleged corruption is for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to look at. But believe me, in my current position, I will not issue baseless statements."

"There are people who asked 'Anwar, if there are wrongdoings, why not prosecute?' Prosecution is not my job. Don't challenge me."

"As a general rule, previous announcements should be honoured although we might have some reservations. Otherwise, it will cause a lot of disruptions."

"For the January-December 2022 period, Malaysia's export to Brunei increased by 33.3 per cent to RM7.4 billion (US$1.68 billion). Imports from Brunei were recorded at RM5.82 billion (US$1.21 billion), an increase of 154.8 per cent from the previous year (2021)."

"The most important thing is for the country to be politically stable, clear in its direction, and strong in the desire to bring change to restore its dignity."

"The state and federal machinery should negotiate properly because we are under economic constraints. The national debt (of Malaysia) is estimated to be at RM1.2 trillion and the revenue is getting smaller, while the spending capacity is very limited."

"His Majesty (Hassanal Bolkiah) has been watching and following our development (in Malaysia). Friendship is important, and ours has been good and...kind of personal. Whenever I'm in distress, His Majesty always shows concern."

"The problem with our (national) debt is it has already touched RM1.2 trillion and if liabilities are included, the debt is RM1.5 trillion."

"Her reappointment as the chair of the foundation received consensus support from all 56 Commonwealth member nations. She is the first Malaysian and representative from Asia to hold the position since the Foundation was established in 1966. Congratulations, Datuk Sudha Devi!"

"If there are minutes that violates laws and regulations, I must be informed. Even if it comes from me. More so if it comes from my officers, the deputy prime ministers or other ministers."

"If we look at the savings in their EPF accounts, the amount is very low. As such, I will have to strike a balance between their current needs and their future. I am very worried about their future, so the government will look for options to assist them."

"The issue of welfare is called the Rahmah program. We will make it the theme in all programs to help the poor, especially the hardcore poor, which is our priority in the current government administration."

"I want to start a new transition. No more just slogans. We want appreciation and practice and also truth, justice and unity. Malaysians have become cynical and are tired of just slogans and promises."

"Yes, I am giving my blessings to Hajiji (Noor). We have given our views. We want Sabah to be strong under (Chief Minister) Hajiji (Noor). Give him the space to discuss and find a good formula for Sabah."

"I also urge all civil servants to embrace the principles of democratic accountability for the sake of the people. As makers and movers of policies, we should not be complacent and must do all we can to effect change."

"I have left UMNO (United Malays National Organisation) for 30 years. I have nothing to do with UMNO anymore."

"I have stressed that Malaysia must be free from the greed of elite politicians in robbing the country's riches for their own benefits. I will not compromise on this matter even though it may jeopardize my own position."

"I hope this visit (to Indonesia) will be able to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries (Malaysia and Indonesia) in addition to exploring new cooperation opportunities through discussions with (the Indonesian) President Joko Widodo, Insha Allah."

"This is a bit personal, Mister President (of Indonesia Joko Widodo). When I was in a difficult situation, living in uncertainty and suffering, Indonesia welcomed me as a true friend."

"Sometimes these politicians will say that if Anwar becomes prime minister (of Malaysia) then Islam will be ruined, secularism and communism will gain a foothold, and LGBT will be recognized. This is a delusion. Of course, it will not happen and God willing under my administration, this is not going to happen."

"The historical relationship between Malaysia and Pakistan that was established for a long time is not only limited to the current bilateral trade, but also in terms of culture, Islamic understanding and philosophy which has benefitted us greatly."

"We are going to tighten (COVID-19) screening (for foreign nationals entering Malaysia), but we won't discriminate against any country. Cabinet has unequivocally decided that health is the main priority, and that questions surrounding tourism and the economy cannot override these interests."

"I don't see any (political turmoil) development (here in Sabah). I was just informed that there are some issues and I have asked the (Sabah) chief minister to have a good discussion with friends in Sabah."

"Usually an autobiography is written by someone who is retiring from his job. I have just been in this (Prime Minister of Malaysia) position for a little over a month."

"Cabinet (of Malaysia) has unequivocally decided that health is the main priority, and that questions surrounding tourism and the economy cannot override these interests."

"Only 49% of Malaysians had their booster jab (as of today). COVID-19 is still not over, not just in Malaysia but globally. We still have around six million booster doses ready."

"We will give room to the chief minister (Hajiji Noor) to hold discussions and find the best formula for the good of Sabah."

"If the main teachers take a wrong action, it must be questioned. Just because that person is a head of a political party, that does not mean all his statements are right. Islam did not teach us to do so (follow blindly). Islamic religious education should be based on deep understanding of the Quran, sunnah and the earliest of Ulemas. The interpretations must be questioned and corrected if need be. That is the tradition of seeking knowledge."

"I will be part of the process (former Prime Minister Najib Razak's request for a royal pardon) and on the matters of the awarding of honorific titles and pardons, that is the prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. We don't have to debate this in public because we have to go through that process."

"God willing, we will be able to continue (to lead the government after the motion of confidence in Parliament on 19 December 2022). I hope you pray for us as well."

"I wished them (Malaysia's newly appointed heads of diplomatic missions) all the best in their endeavors and hope they can raise the country's name to a higher level with regard to foreign policy direction."

"Under my administration, Malaysia will remain steadfast in the struggle to end the suffering and to restore peace and freedom to Palestine."

"Based on the report by the National Action Council on Cost of Living on Tuesday, we decided that the earlier proposal to increase the electricity tariff will not proceed as this will burden the rakyat (citizens). We acknowledged that if nothing is done, there will be a negative impact on government finance which is quite high, exceeding some RM30 billion next year. So, only multinational companies and large companies that export products will be charged."

"The Cabinet has tasked the AG (attorney-general) to look into the matter so that negotiations and discussions with Singapore on Batu Puteh (islet) will have a meaningful outcome. Further, we do not want this to result in issues or problems in the relations of two neighboring friends."

"The government intends to facilitate this industry to export produce and at the same time, ensure there is sufficient supply to meet the needs of the people."

"I did not ask for a pardon because I was punished, let this be clear on the record. It was the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Muhammad V of Kelantan) at the time who took the initiative."

"The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, has not taken his royal allowance since the COVID-19 pandemic began (in 2020). Sultan Abdullah had instead donated the funds in view of the country's economic situation and the struggles of the people during the pandemic."

"People say 'long live the Malays' but majority Malays are poor and face hardships. Only those on the top enjoy a good life. I want to be a Prime Minister for everyone."

"Government departments must formulate and develop suitable measures to implement targeted subsidies by taking into consideration the interests of the consumers and the industries and ensure smooth and effective implementation of the measures."

"Malaysia must redistribute bulk subsidies that have been enjoyed by the wealthy and conglomerates which were meant to support the B40 and M40 groups as well as small traders who are particularly affected and more in need."

"I have never given a guarantee to anyone stating they will be released from punishment, unless decided by a judge who is free and fair."

"What I have done is that many of my duties as prime minister have been delegated to my deputies (Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof)."

"We also renewed our commitment to enhance Malaysia-Canada bilateral ties to a higher level."

"It is my dream to go to an independent Palestine."

"Hopefully, the cooperation between the federal and state governments will continue to be strengthened for the well-being of the people."

"Insha Allah, bilateral ties between both Malaysia and Turkey will continue to strengthen."