Anwar Pleads for Support From Malaysia's Powerful Civil Service
- Government servants represent a key vote bank in Malaysia
- New prime minister says cannot succeed without this group
Anwar Ibrahim
Photographer: Samsul Said/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Anwar Ibrahim implored Malaysia’s civil service to cooperate with him on Tuesday, as the reformist prime minister faces an uphill task to win over the traditionally pro-establishment workforce.
The 75-year-old leader was named prime minister last week after an inconclusive vote resulted in a hung parliament and led to rival leaders rushing to muster support. Now, as a head of a unity government, winning over the 1.2 million civil servants will be crucial to Anwar’s political longevity as they execute policies and form a key vote bank.