Give Anwar more time to improve economy, says Johor sultan

Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim should be given more time to improve the country’s economy.

In an exclusive interview with Sin Chew Daily, Sultan Ibrahim acknowledged the financial challenges faced by Anwar’s administration.

"Anwar only came to realise the government's financial difficulties after taking office," he said in the interview with the local Chinese paper.

Sultan Ibrahim also expressed relief that the prime minister’s visit to China earlier this year had brought back several positive outcomes.

Speaking on Anwar, Sultan Ibrahim said he had a good relationship with the prime minister.
 
"At times, he seeks my opinion, and at times, he provides me with suggestions," he said.

He also emphasised that it was important for Malaysia to maintain friendly relations with China.

The Johor ruler added that it was the right approach to place the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2U) programme under the purview of the tourism, arts and culture ministry and report directly to the prime minister.

To attract more investments, Malaysia must offer investor-friendly and practical visa options, especially in reconsidering the current MM2U programme as the second phase was unfriendly and third phase even worse, Sultan Ibrahim added.