Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that any statement which insults or dismisses the role of any community in Malaysia should not be made by leaders, saying all citizens must be embraced as part of the country’s strength.
Anwar said he strongly disagreed with any perception that belittles the presence of other ethnic groups, especially after Malaysia has been independent for more than five decades.
“I do not agree at all with any views that insult or ignore the contributions of any community in our country,” he said after attending the opening ceremony of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Sheikh Tahir Jalaluddin and the launch of the Nuqaba Programme on Saturday.
His remarks came after Perikatan Nasional election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor claimed that Malay political influence and economic control were declining and could disappear within 10 years without major changes.
The Kedah Menteri Besar also compared Malay leaders in the government to the character ‘Buang’, a figure portrayed as a traitor in the classic film Sarjan Hassan.
Sanusi claimed the situation was caused by certain Malay leaders who were willing to compromise their principles and support opposing parties for personal political interests.
He also said Malaysia, as the only Tanah Melayu, serves as a homeland and protector for indigenous communities, while other ethnic groups have their own countries of origin.
Responding to the issue, Anwar said Malaysia was built on the foundation of unity, with people from different backgrounds accepting the Federal Constitution and becoming loyal citizens of the nation.
He said no responsible leader should make statements that could insult the existence or contributions of other communities in Malaysia.
Although Malays form the majority population, Anwar highlighted that citizens of Chinese, Indian and other backgrounds have accepted the Constitution and contributed to the country’s development.
He said all Malaysians who respect the nation and uphold the Constitution should be viewed as a strength rather than a division.
“Especially among the Chinese and Indian communities who are loyal, accept the Constitution and are good citizens, we must embrace them as part of Malaysia’s strength,” he said.
