Anwar announces public holiday on Nov 28

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced that Nov 28 will be a public holiday in conjunction with the formation of a unity government and his appointment as the country’s 10th prime minister.

The public holiday was initially proposed for Nov 25 but later moved to Monday, to allow Bursa Malaysia’s upward trend to continue.

"I am thankful because today and even before, the confidence of investors has returned, the ringgit has strengthened and the Bursa has seen a revival. 

"I therefore decided to not announce tomorrow as a public holiday but Monday instead," he told reporters during his first official press conference after being sworn in as prime minister.

The ringgit rose 1.8% against the US dollar yesterday, the highest in two months. As of 6pm, the ringgit had appreciated to 4.4910/5000 compared to Wednesday’s closing of 4.5725/5775.

Bursa Malaysia also rose to its highest index in three months as the main index rose 4.04% following the market sentiment which appreciated due to the positive political development.

When asked about his decision to not take a salary as prime minister, Anwar who is also the Tambun MP said that his decision would not change.

The decision was an effort to instil the people's confidence in the government, ministers and party leadership, he said.

"No (no salary)… I have announced it before and this is the first step towards regaining the confidence of the people. I do not want the people to think that all ministers and leaders, no matter which party or religion are only thinking of a salary as minister, self interest, contracts and shares.

"I have therefore decided to not accept any salary as prime minister," he said.

However, he did not specify the duration for which he would forgo the prime minister's salary.