JOHOR BAHRU, July 10 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged all citizens to reject extreme racism and the politics of hatred, and instead prioritise unity and mutual respect as Malaysians.
Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan (Harapan) chairman, said the government under his leadership implements fair policies for all races without neglecting the interests of any community.
“I want all citizens to stop extreme racism. Why can’t we negotiate as friends, as brothers and sisters?
“Why can’t we negotiate and work as Malaysians? Why must we show so much hatred?” he said in his speech at the ‘Yok! Merahkan Johor! Undi Harapan’ programme at the Taman Pelangi Indah Public Field here last night.
The prime minister also refuted allegations that the Madani government only prioritises the Chinese community, explaining that every policy introduced takes into account the interests of the nation as a whole.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, dismissed allegations that government assistance for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) was racial in nature, stressing that the sector is a key pillar of the national economy.
“When we help SMEs, some say it is only for the Chinese, but these SMEs contribute to the national economy and the majority of those working in these companies are Malays.
“If the Malays have problems and need assistance, we will help them — which is why we continue our Bumiputera agenda,” he said.
Touching on the Indian community, he acknowledged that there was still considerable room for improvement in efforts to expand opportunities and raise living standards.
In another development, Anwar defended the government’s decision to extend the tax exemption period for Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) for another 10 years.
He said the move was a high-impact educational initiative aimed at developing national human capital and should not be tainted by racial sentiment or narrow political interests.
“I’m prepared to go to TAR UMT although it’s a Chinese initiative. Why? Because I support educational efforts for Malaysians.
“Even if it is a Chinese initiative, so what? The Malays will benefit. The Chinese will benefit. I make no apologies about that,” he added.
Anwar also reminded the public that education-related issues should not be politicised to the point of creating the perception that the government discriminates against any race.
