With just days remaining before Johor voters head to the polls, Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim has mounted one of his strongest public defences of DAP, questioning why the party continues to be singled out by its political opponents despite being part of the Unity Government.
Speaking at the Meet the PMX programme in Kampung Jawa, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman criticised those who refuse to sit at the same table with DAP simply because it is perceived as a Chinese-based party.
"What has DAP done wrong?" Anwar asked, challenging critics who portray the party as unacceptable.
He described such attitudes as disrespectful and contrary to Malaysia's multicultural spirit.
"Some people act as though they're very important and say, 'I won't sit at the same table with DAP because it's a Chinese party.' That's not right. You have to respect other people's feelings. If the Chinese community wants to vote for DAP, then let them choose DAP. Why are you so upset?" he said.
According to Anwar, no individual or political group has the authority to decide which parties Malaysians should support. Instead, he urged all political leaders to celebrate the country's diversity rather than exploit racial differences for political gain.
The event was attended by PKR vice-president and PKR election director Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari, Johor PKR chairman Dato' Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, as well as PH candidates for the Pemanis and Kemelah state seats, Jalex Lee En Xiang and Mohd Afif Abd Hamid.
Rejects Claims of Being Controlled by DAP
Anwar also dismissed long-standing allegations that he is controlled by DAP or that he is willing to compromise his principles for political survival.
The PKR president said his political journey, which included imprisonment and years of hardship, demonstrated that he had never sacrificed his integrity.
"I've been kicked, beaten and jailed. Do you think I would sell my dignity?" he said.
He stressed that his mission as Prime Minister is to protect every Malaysian regardless of ethnicity.
"I want to safeguard the interests of the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Ibans and Kadazans, and I want this country to prosper," he added.
Defending the Unity Government's Inclusive Policies
Anwar argued that the Unity Government has delivered tangible benefits to all communities since taking office, pointing to policies aimed at strengthening national unity while addressing the concerns of different ethnic groups.
He said the government continues to strengthen religious schools and Islamic education for the Malay-Muslim community while also responding to long-standing requests from other communities.
Among the initiatives highlighted were expanded opportunities for holders of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) to pursue higher education and increased allocations for Tamil schools.
"The Malays asked for stronger Islamic education and we supported it. The Chinese requested recognition and opportunities for UEC holders. The Indians wanted better funding for Tamil schools, and we increased those allocations. These are facts," he said.
DAP Never Challenged Malay Rights, Says Anwar
Addressing another recurring political narrative, Anwar rejected claims that DAP opposes Malay rights or the special position of the Malays.
He pointed to the government's decision to gazette 20.23 hectares of land in Bandar Malaysia as Malay Reserve Land, noting that DAP had never objected to the move.
According to him, this demonstrates that accusations portraying DAP as anti-Malay are inconsistent with the party's actions within the Unity Government.
At the same time, Anwar emphasised that governing Malaysia requires fairness to every community.
He said programmes benefiting Bumiputeras, including increased allocations for Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Berhad (PUNB), have continued without objection from DAP.
Likewise, he lamented assistance for poor Chinese and Indian communities should not be viewed as controversial because poverty exists across all ethnic groups.
Politics Should Serve the People
Beyond race and coalition politics, Anwar also stressed that economic growth must translate into meaningful improvements in people's daily lives.
He said Malaysia's economic progress should result in better housing, stronger public facilities, improved education and greater opportunities for ordinary Malaysians rather than enriching a privileged few.
"I want children to understand that power is a trust to be used, not to enrich yourself. Politics is about service," he said.
Election Enters Final Stretch
The remarks come as campaigning intensifies ahead of the Johor state election, where 172 candidates are contesting all 56 state assembly seats.
With early voting taking place on July 7 and polling day scheduled for July 11, debates over race, coalition politics and national unity are expected to remain central themes throughout the final days of campaigning.
Anwar's latest defence of DAP also signals PH's determination to counter racial narratives while presenting the Unity Government as a coalition committed to inclusive governance, equal development and shared prosperity for all Malaysians.
By: Kpost
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