11-7-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, has emphasized that being Malay should not be a reason to deny the rights of others under the Federal Constitution. Anwar stated that he respects Malay culture, tradition, rulers, and language, but that does not make him racist or deny the rights of others. He added that the Constitution is clear on the position of the Malays and the protection of the welfare of all citizens.
During a Q&A session at the International Malaysia Law Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar questioned the insistence by certain quarters that the survival of the nation is dependent on whether it is “purely a Malay country”, which comes at the expense of the rights of others. His response came after former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad insisted that “Malaysia is a Malay country”, despite loud criticism from moderates who defended multiculturalism. Dr Mahathir also said that the Constitution had never claimed Malaysia was a multiracial country.
Anwar poured cold water on Dr Mahathir’s suggestions, describing them as a last-ditch effort by the latter to remain relevant after failing to hold onto the Langkawi parliamentary seat in the 15th General Election (GE15). He stated that Dr Mahathir lost his deposit in Langkawi and that his suggestions were a desperate attempt to be seen as relevant. Anwar added that he would make Dr Mahathir irrelevant.
Dr Mahathir quit Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang), the party he founded, on February 10 this year, following its dismal performance in GE15. It marked Dr Mahathir’s first election defeat since 1969. Following this, the 98-year-old politician penned a 12-point Malay Proclamation aimed at uniting Malays in the country. Several leaders from PAS and Bersatu signed the proclamation in support of Dr Mahathir’s call.
Anwar also took a swipe at the Opposition for harping on race, questioning why this card is still being flashed around when there are more pressing issues affecting the nation. He stated that the country should be focusing on governance, economic advancement, and digital technology. Anwar added that his administration would do all it can to move the debate forward towards nation-building. He challenged those who champion Malays yet enrich themselves to give away half their wealth to the community.
“If we fail in this narrative and discourse (of multiculturalism), we fail as a nation,” he said.
