IPOH, MALAYSIA: Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has advised Perak civil servants to prepare for an economic downturn.

In his inaugural address at the state's bi-monthly executive talk at the State Secretariat building here yesterday, Anwar said they should keep working hard.

"We are facing difficult times now with financial convulsions engulfing the region.

"If we are always given rosy images instead of reality, we will not work harder to change things and will fall into the culture of contentment," he said.

Citing examples of the slump in commodity prices and an 8.5% inflation rate - the highest in 27 years - as indications of a bleak economic situation, Anwar said:

"It is better to accept reality so we can move forward. However, you must remember that no matter what problems you face, never ever compromise on your service to the people."

On the Selangor Government's appointment of a non-Malay as the state development corporation acting general manager, Anwar said:

"I am unhappy that this has become a racial matter. (Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri) Khalid Ibrahim has already explained that the post will go to a Malay when a suitable candidate is selected.

"He has also said that at least 75% of PKNS' business is with Chinese companies. One non-Malay holding the post as acting general manager does not mean the rights of Malays have been eroded."

On the Malay supremacy issue, he said bumiputras have a place and "we will do everything to help them, along with the Chinese and the Indians."

"When you talk about Malay supremacy and refer to enriching the few Malay billionaires, this I do not agree with."