Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he remains comfortable working with DAP, describing leaders from the party as having higher integrity compared with other Chinese-based political parties.
The Prime Minister said he was not concerned over accusations labelling him as a “Chinese puppet” due to his cooperation with DAP, describing such claims as racial narratives that could hinder the country’s progress.
Anwar stressed that Malaysia could only move forward if racial politics and extremism were reduced, adding that cooperation between communities was important to ensure national stability.
“Tell me what I have given to the Chinese or what I have done that makes people say such things. For me, it is safer, better and more credible to work with DAP than other Chinese-based parties,” he said during the Grand Finale Harapan Johor Selatan event at Puteri Wangsa last night.
Also present at the event was PH candidate for the Puteri Wangsa state seat, Dr Maszlee Malik.
In his speech, Anwar defended the achievements of the Madani Government, claiming that his administration had successfully restored Malay reserve land, unlike previous governments.
He said around 50 hectares of Malay reserve land had been recovered under the current administration, describing the move as part of the government’s efforts to protect community interests while continuing national development.
Anwar also claimed that the Madani Government had resolved several issues involving Chinese education, including matters related to the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), which had been raised by MCA for many years.
He said he previously avoided commenting on his coalition partners to maintain political stability, but felt the need to respond after facing repeated criticism and allegations from leaders within the government alliance, including Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“I want this coalition government to remain stable and function well. However, when there are attacks and various allegations from within the coalition itself, I have to explain the situation to the people,” he said.
On tax relief for Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), Anwar said education assistance should not be questioned based on race as long as it benefits Malaysians.
He said despite being rooted in the Malay community, he had no hesitation in supporting TAR UMT as it serves the educational needs of Malaysians.
“If education benefits the people, whether Malays or Chinese, why should it become an issue?” he said.
The statement came after Ahmad Zahid reportedly said the government’s decision to extend the tax exemption period for TAR UMT by 10 years was the result of MCA’s continuous efforts within the government.
