Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stood firm in defending the appointment of Datuk Seri M Kumar as the new director of Bukit Aman’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), emphasising that competence should be the only factor in determining leadership positions within government agencies.
Speaking at the Finance Ministry’s monthly gathering in Putrajaya, Anwar highlighted that race was not an issue in such appointments, as anyone with the required ability and integrity deserved the role. He stressed that leadership should be guided by merit, not racial background.
The appointment had sparked political remarks, with some opposition figures suggesting that it was a sign of the government embracing a so-called “Malaysian Malaysia” concept. References were made to recent promotions of other non-Bumiputera officers, with speculation that future top positions in the judiciary, military, and police could also be held by non-Malays.
Anwar, however, dismissed such rhetoric, pointing out that the vast majority of senior positions in the police force remain held by Malays, including the inspector-general, deputy inspector-general, and other department directors. He described attempts to inflame racial sentiments as irresponsible and harmful, particularly claims that the Malay language was under threat or that certain communities were amassing political dominance.
The prime minister urged Malaysians to rise above divisive narratives and instead focus on fairness in governance. He underlined that the government’s role was to safeguard the rights of all citizens, regardless of race or religion. According to him, the country could only move forward if both the majority and minorities were treated with justice and dignity.
Anwar reminded that Malaysia must not fall into either the tyranny of the majority or the tyranny of the minority. Instead, he called for balance and fairness, principles he believed were vital for national unity and long-term stability.
By reaffirming meritocracy as the cornerstone of public service appointments, Anwar sought to assure citizens that leadership roles would continue to be based on capability rather than ethnic considerations. His remarks were aimed at calming rising debates and ensuring that the public focused on nation-building rather than racial discord.
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