New Malaysian PM Anwar joins unity government

KALA LUMPUR: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah GRS has agreed to join the Malaysian unity government, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Friday, after he began his official duties at the prime minister's office complex.

This means that Anwar's government will have a two-thirds majority in the Lower House.

The Cabinet will be downsized, according to the new prime minister. He said that Cabinet members have been asked to agree with his proposal to reduce their salaries.

He said that this is still in the process of discussion and preparation. Mr Anwar has yet to announce his cabinet line-up.

He told reporters that the immediate priority of his new government is to tackle the rising cost of living.

I insist that the priority should be on the cost of living the price of items that threaten and burden people's lives. He said that I wanted to have a more detailed discussion and immediate action to ease this burden.

He said that he has asked for a special meeting with the relevant agencies by Monday to discuss the matter.