Speaking at the launch of the Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation in Islamic Economies at Sasana Kijang here, Anwar said he was doing his best within the limits of his position.

“Can you undertake this massive reform in a year, or two or three years? I don’t know. But what I know is that there’s no turning back,” he said.

Acknowledging the frustration felt by critics demanding quicker results, Anwar pointed to the limitations of his coalition government.

“PKR has 36 (MPs) in Parliament, Pakatan Harapan has 82. It’s not even a simple majority,” he said, adding that PH is fortunate to have Umno and Barisan Nasional as partners in the unity government.

“But you can’t take things for granted because the process of negotiation, discussion and engagement is important.”

He added that support from other coalition partners, such as Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, is also critical in pushing through national programmes.

Anwar’s remarks come days after former minister Khairy Jamaluddin gave the government a 50% score on structural economic reforms since it came to power in November 2022.

Khairy had cited the lack of progress in three areas – broadening the tax base, rationalising subsidies, and pension reforms.

In a related statement, Subang MP Wong Chen also expressed concern that Anwar’s government might end its term without significant headway on institutional reforms.