According to Prime Minister Datuk seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Melaka Madani Rakyat Programme 2025 held in Politeknik Merlimau recorded one of its highest visitor turnouts ever. He said that this edition was especially special because the Historic State hosted it with the Ministry of Defence as the lead ministry. The displays of defence equipment and facilities attracted large crowds. “I would like express my appreciation and congratulate MINDEF… This round is special because the attractions of the defence equipment and facilities drew a huge crowd… perhaps one of the biggest in the history Madani Rakyat Program,” he said today when officiating at the closing ceremony of Melaka PMR2025.
Also in attendance were Melaka Chief Minster Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohammed Khaled Nordin. His deputy Adly Zahari was also present, as well as Chief Secretary to Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Ab Bakar and Melaka State Secrtary Datuk Azhar Arshad. As of 11am today, the three-day PMR that began on Friday had a total of 204834 visitors. Anwar thanked the Melaka government for their cooperation in making this event a success. He described it as a platform for the state government to engage the people and give direct explanations about government policies and project.
The purpose of the Madani Rakyat Programme is to reach out and engage the people. So they can be informed when we announce a new ministry, department, or project. “But through this program, we invite them see it for themselves,” said he.
According to the Prime Minister, this outreach approach is in line with the principles of transparency, accountability and direct communication between the government and the people.
Anwar was earlier presented with “Asuk”, a robotic dog powered by AI, or quadruped, unmanned ground vehicle, (Q-UGV), developed for defence, industrial and security applications. Asuk, developed in collaboration with Ghost Robotics in the United States, is a foundational platform for National Aerospace and Defence Industries Sdn Bhd (NADI)’s long-term strategy of building an intelligent unmanned eco-system capable of operating on both land and sea. Melaka PMR 20, which concluded today, featured many activities, including community programmes and agency exhibitions.
The event, which was held under the theme of “Aspirasi madani, Menjamin Pertahanan and Kedaulatan negara”, was organised by the Performance Acceleration Coordination Unit under the Prime Minister’s Department in strategic partnership with MINDEF, the Melaka State Government as co-organisers. — Bernama
