PUTRAJAYA: The country needs principled leaders who understand the struggles of the people, particularly low-income groups and lower-ranking workers who contribute to national development, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
He said good leadership was not merely about speaking well or criticising others, but understanding people's hardships and finding ways to help them.
Anwar said the struggles of padi farmers, smallholders, fishermen, taxi drivers and low-income civil servants deserved attention because they also contributed to the country's economy and development.
"This country needs a leader with principles. This country needs a leader who cares about the problems of the people at the bottom. Not someone who talks cleverly, scolds people and insults people.
"But someone who knows, who feels, what the plight is of padi farmers in Kedah, of taxi drivers in Johor, of farmers, of fishermen," he said.
Anwar was speaking at the launch of the Special Financial Assistance for Taxi, Hire Car and School Bus Drivers here today.
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