KUALA LUMPUR: The second day of the Madani government's One-Year anniversary programme held at Bukit Jalil National Stadium became merrier after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made a surprise visit to the event venue today.
Anwar, slated to appear at the programme's closing ceremony tomorrow, had taken the visitors off guard when he arrived at the venue at about 11.30am.
In tow to welcome his arrival were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Zuki Ali; Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan; Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil; and Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
Upon his arrival, visitors flocked to the booths he visited and took the chance to take photos with the prime minister.
Anwar also spent about two hours visiting the event venue, including ministerial booths providing various services and a job carnival.
When met by reporters after his visit, Anwar said the surprise visit was to observe the flow of the event.
The prime minister was also satisfied with the event following welcoming and encouraging responses from visitors.
"I was initially scheduled (to attend) the event tomorrow. However, I decided to drop by without being announced to see the progress (of the event). Alhamdulillah, the responses are highly encouraging (from visitors).
"I am also satisfied with the collaboration between government departments and government-linked companies," he said.
Anwar also called out to the visitors, especially the younger generation, to take full advantage of the services offered by the government by visiting ministerial booths at the event.
"Based on the turnout, I see there have been encouraging responses from the people. Hence, I urge them to take advantage of the services and facilities announced by the government."
Following the encouraging response from visitors, Anwar said the government might consider whether similar events and exhibitions could be carried out in every state to inform people about the services provided by the government.
"During our cabinet meeting next week, we might consider whether we can relocate similar events to provide information (on the government's services) to the people in every state."
The Madani government's One-Year Anniversary programme began yesterday and is scheduled until tomorrow (Dec 10).
Over the three-day event, each ministry has also set up booths offering various services, including health screenings, dental and general health clinics as well as open counters for the public to settle their summons.
The event is organised by the Prime Minister's Office in collaboration with ministries, government-linked companies, non-governmental organisations, private entities, and stakeholders through the Project Acceleration and Coordination Unit and the Malaysia Productivity Corporation as a joint secretariat.