Government Ministers Of Malaysia

"No human-to-human transmission of the (COVID-19) novel coronavirus has been reported in the country (Malaysia, as of 2 February 2020), and thus there is no need for the public to panic and start wearing masks. However, those with such symptoms, must wear the masks to prevent infecting others, as it is also the influenza season. What is more important is to keep on washing hands properly using soap."

"As Malaysia’s longest-serving Prime Minister, Tun M (Mahathir Mohamad) has left an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape. While we may differ in our political views and approaches, his long-standing role in public service and national governance remains a significant part of Malaysia’s political history."

"We have to put more focus on them (younger members of MCA to run the party), because I know the next change of government might only happen after 10 years."

"In Malaysia, you cannot misrepresent yourself as an accountant unless you are a member of MIA (Malaysian Institute of Accountants)."

"Do not evaluate a leader based on his or her academic qualifications because politics cannot be fully taught or learnt in school."

"While Malaysians are concerned about the spread of the (COVID-19) virus to our shores, we are equally sympathetic towards China, especially given that the two countries share deep cultural and business ties which have been built over decades."

"In this regard, I hope the dry rubber products segment continues to chart a more creditable growth in exports. These are challenging times. On the external front, the United States-China trade conflict, if protracted, could affect global growth and demand. On the domestic front, the private sector has to step up investment to drive economic growth, especially in the downstream sector."

"We want to build a clean and healthy party (People's Justice Party) with noble ethical values and as leaders, we must give reminders and advice to everyone so that the party will progress smoothly."

"Previously, we only made products such as baskets or satay skewers using bamboo. Now, we need to produce higher value products such as furniture, laminated boards, construction materials and innovative novelty products."

"An important reason for my visit (to Nanning, China) is to reassure China that Malaysia welcomed its investments. What I am emphasizing is also that the postponement of a number of large-scale (China's) projects (in Malaysia) was due to the need to safeguard Malaysia's financial position and not because we doubt investors from any country, including China."

"As everyone knows, we (Malaysia) are in a very tight financial situation. Our yearly development budget is very limited. Every airport (in Malaysia) needs expansion. It will definitely cost the government a lot of money to upgrade or development airports. However, infrastructure projects must go on. We will look into ways to work on this plan. We will answer it when the government decides its ways forward."

"I welcome the statement made by Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) president Hadi Awang that PAS and Umno will give their full support to Tun Mahathir to serve as the prime minister until the end of his term"

"Based on the approved development allocation for 2018 (by the central government), MYR4.1 billion was earmarked for Sabah and we want to ensure that it is fully spent for the sake of development in the state. Priority has been given to the education sector so that the dilapidated schools that exist in Sabah are promptly developed."

"I will take the various public transportation to my workplace when the situation allows. If you see me, just say hi."

"Thus far, they (Eastern Sabah Security Command security forces) have performed their best and we need to increase their welfare. This is my determination along with the army, police and other enforcement bodies to intensify their service together."

"The EU (European Union) should assist developing countries achieve the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) instead of imposing onerous rules and policies that undermine their efforts."

"We must pursue a balanced development path, with policies that enhance inclusion, integrity and sustainability as well as delivering economic growth for the continued prosperity of Malaysians."

"Kindness is a part of human nature, this is what we have forgotten in our educational system. We emphasize a lot on exams and test results that we forgot the very basic human element in every single individual – kindness."

"Some of the concepts to reward good behavior on roads will be introduced next year (2019). I think Malaysians will like the idea. You behave (on roads), then you are rewarded."

"The New Malaysia sees itself as a properly functioning democracy now, and I believe that a healthy and inclusive democracy is the ultimate check on radicalization. An inclusive democratic society provides space for the political participation of all citizens, ensures fundamental rights such as the freedom of speech and expression of all, and reduces the size of the disenfranchised to a minimum."

"In my Ministry, you don't need to know me. You only need to know how. Knowing me will not give you an advantage in any project. Make sure you know how."

"In order to convince people, especially locals, that the area (along Kim Kim River) is clear of pollution, I have visited the area without wearing safety equipment."

"When you improve the people's economic well-being, it will lead to higher wage increases and higher purchasing power, which will lead to better economic growth. This is a self-fulfilling and virtuous cycle."

"We must have the can do spirit. For example, why must we lose to Singapore every time? Beat them at their own game, you can do it. Penang has beaten them many times."

"I'm sorry, I don't consider myself a Chinese, I am a Malaysian."

"If this is a lecture and the lecturer writes down one thing and you take down something else, how are you going to pass your exams?"

"We have to be truthful and transparent. If by being transparent we will be punished, then there's nothing we can do about it. We will still continue to be transparent."

"We do not defend those who take bribes and we do not condone that the authorities are being used as a political weapon. It appears to be the case with the MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission). If you switch support, investigations will be postponed or thrown out, if not, the harassment continues."

"I haven't failed to be prime minister, it just hasn’t happened yet. I have to accept the fact that I am still the Pakatan Harapan's chosen candidate to be prime minister and if Malaysians support me for the post, I will continue to protect the people, especially those who need it the most, God-willing. I know those with billions of Ringgit do not really agree with me. They are afraid of me. I think that the people are more understanding and are more comfortable with me as prime minister."

"We must together chart a new way forward to save our beloved nation."

"That particular minister (Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz) has said there is already RM3 billion (to purchase COVID-19 vaccines). There is no record in the ministry, there is no record in the budget, RM 3 billion. I don't know from where. Is it that it is being hidden so that a deficit is not seen?"

"Firstly, Sabah's healthcare system, which is already under-funded, under-staffed, and under resourced is now inundated and overwhelmed by the (COVID-19) epidemic. MOH (Ministry of Health) has been diverting resources to Sabah but the ministry cannot do this alone. This effort needs political support from strong leadership and the involvement of NADMA (National Disaster Management Agency) and other ministries to mobilize adequate medical teams and equipment, improve logistics and provide wider reach of aid."

"I maintain my innocence. This to me is a fabrication coming from a political conspiracy to stop my political career."

"We also realize there is a new generation of Malaysians who were too young to remember the Reformasi movement that started a decade ago. Reaching out to them will happen in large part through technology."

"The people of Malaysia deserve leadership which can navigate effectively during these turbulent times (COVID-19 pandemic). Instead we have an unstable government whose inability to handle the crisis is driving the country towards an economic recession and rising racial tension."

"I want to stress a matter that we shouldn't take lightly — are these numbers (Malaysia's daily COVID-19 cases) real? If you compare to countries with a similar population size — Australia, Malaysia, Canada — our testing capacity is too low. We want to know the total infections, which is connected to the total tests done. We test 10,000 people in a cluster, we'll get 1,000 (cases). If we test 100, we may get one. So, in order to safeguard public safety, testing capacity must increase."

"I will walk again for the third time into prison but rest assured that I will walk in with my head held high. I maintain my innocence."

"Malaysia fortunately has more than enough resources and wealth to address the issue of poverty. Therefore there is no excuse to not prioritize the problem at hand."

"Our economy is in a dire state, hence we need to re-focus the economy. We cannot depend on those who have been abusing power and enriching themselves to champion the common cause of the people. The plight of the workers, the farmers and fishermen, they need to be protected."

"Most of Malaysia does not believe that I will get a fair trial or a decision based on the facts of the law. But I want to show young people that (my conviction) is a small price to pay in the struggle for freedom and justice."

"We consider the NEP (New Economic Policy) is obsolete. I always say the NEP benefits the few family members of the ruling establishment and their cronies. So we stop this practice of awarding tenders, projects and privatization to family-related companies and cronies only at states where we are in charge."

"With my team, I will carry out this heavy responsibility based on the people's aspirations."

"Please! For goodness sake, for the sake of our children and our future, stop this rot (corruption). Stop this nonsense and it must begin on the 19th of November (2022, on the election day)."

"Pakatan Harapan will fully implement the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and devolve certain powers to Sabah and Sarawak should it come into power after GE15 (15th general election)."

"We have tried (in Malaysia), for the last half-century, a pro-Bumiputra policy that benefited cronies and elites. Look at the figures. Poverty has increased! Inequality has increased! It becomes like a clientelist system. And that needs to be rejected!"

"In stating the need for a federal system, distribution of power is a must in the constitution of the country that is considered a federation. This is not a strange issue for Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia."

"Give Pakatan Harapan a chance to set up a clean and authoritative government. The mandate you give is a responsibility for us to bring drastic changes to the country."

"The number of 70 ministers, which we had previously will be cut by half, their salaries will be cut by half too. The same goes with the prime minister's pay. If you want to be a minister under my cabinet, you need to accept this condition. This is the first step we will take to convince the people."

"I affirm that Indonesia is a true friend of Malaysia and I hope that trade and business relations, investment, culture and labor issues can be improved. The friendship between the two (nations) must be strengthened."

"This time, the chairman is Anwar. I call on fence sitters to give us the mandate so that we are free to implement this and will not face any threats after the election."