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CHENNAH – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Malaysians to reject race-based politics, saying the country’s future depends on leaders who serve every community rather than championing only one group during election campaigns.
Speaking at the Minum Petang Bersama PMX programme in Simpang Durian on Wednesday (July 29), Anwar said Malaysia’s diversity should be embraced and protected while assuring voters that the constitutional position of Malays and Islam remained secure.
He said politicians should focus on solving people’s problems instead of exploiting racial sentiments for political gain.
“Malaysia is a Malay-majority country. Our King is Malay, the national language is Bahasa Melayu, Islam is the religion of the Federation, and the special position of the Malays and Bumiputera is protected under the Constitution. These are not in dispute.
“But at the same time, this country must embrace everyone. We must also look after the Chinese, Indians, Orang Asli, Iban and Kadazan,” he said.
Anwar said genuine leadership should be judged by actions taken while in government rather than promises made during election campaigns.
He criticised politicians who portrayed themselves as defenders of specific communities only when seeking votes, saying public service should benefit all Malaysians equally.
“During campaigns, some want to be heroes for the Malays, while others want to be heroes for the Orang Asli. But when they had power, what did they actually do?
“If you truly want to help the people, help them when you are in government,” he said.
He highlighted several initiatives introduced under the Madani Government, including financial assistance for military veterans who previously did not receive pensions and the civil service salary revision implemented after more than a decade without an adjustment.
Anwar said these measures reflected the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of all Malaysians regardless of race or background.
He also said the government’s reform agenda was aimed at strengthening public institutions and preventing abuses of power.
“We are working to ensure there are no more cases where public institutions lose money because of mismanagement or abuse of power.
“When there are allegations of wrongdoing, investigations are carried out by the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, prosecutions are handled by the Attorney General’s Chambers, and the courts decide. That is how the rule of law should work,” he said.
Anwar urged voters to continue supporting Pakatan Harapan, saying the coalition remained committed to implementing reforms while safeguarding the interests of every community.
“We govern for everyone. Our responsibility is not only to one race or one community, but to every Malaysian,” he said.
