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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has acknowledged that the government must occasionally adopt a firm stance on racial issues to safeguard national stability, warning that unity remains the central challenge in a multi-ethnic society.
Speaking at the Chinese New Year 2026 celebration organised by the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar said managing ethnic differences requires both candour and collective resolve.
He noted that concerns over racial division were not new, recalling that Malaysia’s early leaders, including Tunku Abdul Rahman and Abdul Razak Hussein, had repeatedly emphasised cooperation and warned of the dangers of communal discord.
“If we want to succeed, we must accept that problems and differences exist, but we must strive to resolve them as one large society, as one united Malaysian family,” he said.
Anwar assured that the MADANI Government would intensify efforts to ensure peace, comfort and prosperity for all communities.
He described the Year of the Horse as a promising beginning for the nation, symbolising resilience, stamina, confidence and agility.
He expressed hope that this spirit would translate into economic progress and stronger unity, elevating Malaysia’s standing.
“We look at last year’s figures and the most recent ones, and clearly we have recorded progress that is far more encouraging.
“This is because of the cooperation of all parties, all citizens and communities, from politicians, civil servants, traders, merchants and hawkers — everyone has contributed.
“First, this country is peaceful. Secondly, we have a shared spirit of consensus and thirdly, we work. No country can succeed if we are constantly quarrelling, not focused on our work and lacking the spirit of cooperation, compromise and uplifting all races, religions and sectors,” he said.
The Prime Minister also conveyed appreciation to the Chinese community for its role as a key component in national development.
Beyond unity, Anwar proposed the formation of a joint committee to coordinate conservation efforts for the nearly 100-year-old KLSCAH building, describing it as an important national heritage symbol.
He suggested the committee be led by Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
“This building is not merely a structure, but a heritage. Therefore, the government must work together and strive to resolve any conditions or requirements so that this heritage continues to be preserved and given special attention,” he said.
He also sought discussions with Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud on measures to secure official recognition and preservation support for the historic premises, assuring stakeholders not to be concerned about land status.
After the event, Anwar reiterated his call for Malaysians to focus on unity and to celebrate the Lunar New Year in a spirit of joy and togetherness. - February 17, 2026