JOHOR BAHRU, June 25, 2026 — Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim shared personal reflections on the highs and lows of his life during a casual “santai mesra” session with civil servants from the southern zone today, emphasizing that his only remaining duty is to serve the rakyat to the best of his ability.
In a video posted on his official X account, Anwar addressed public servants, drawing from his own experiences of political imprisonment and holding the highest office in the country.
“You have tasted the best food in the most famous palace. You have tasted the worst food in the worst prison,” he said, in a light-hearted yet poignant remark that drew on his well-documented ordeals.
Anwar continued in Malay: “Di penjara sudah, di Putrajaya sudah. Sekarang masa saya berkhidmat” (I have been to prison, I have been to Putrajaya. Now is the time for me to serve).
He stressed that luxury and hardship are temporary, and what matters most now is fulfilling his amanah (trust) to the Malaysian people.
“Yang tinggal untuk saya ketika ini hanyalah amanah untuk berkhidmat sebaik mungkin,” Anwar added.
The event, titled “Sesi Santai Mesra YAB Perdana Menteri dengan Warga Perkhidmatan Awam Zon Selatan,” took place as part of ongoing engagement programs under the Malaysia MADANI framework. Anwar used hashtags #MalaysiaMADANI, #MADANIbekerja, and #YakinMADANI in his post.
Anwar Ibrahim, who became Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister in November 2022, spent a total of about 11 years in prison on charges widely viewed by supporters as politically motivated. He was granted a royal pardon in 2018 after his release.
His remarks today echo a recurring theme in his public addresses — resilience, reform, and dedication to public service. The Prime Minister has frequently engaged with civil servants, urging improvements in efficiency, integrity, and performance while acknowledging their role in nation-building.
The southern zone session highlights the MADANI government’s continued outreach to the public service, aligning with broader efforts to reform the civil service and enhance service delivery to the rakyat.
Anwar’s post has garnered early engagement online, with supporters praising his humility and long-standing commitment.
This latest interaction comes amid ongoing national priorities under the MADANI administration, including cost-of-living measures, anti-corruption drives, and economic reforms.
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