KUALA LUMPUR: In a powerful statement, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) emphasized that being Malay should not be used as a justification to deny others their rights under the Federal Constitution. Anwar stressed that while the Constitution protects the rights of Malays, it also safeguards the welfare of all citizens in Malaysia. He firmly stated, “The future belongs to all Malaysians.”
During a question-and-answer session at the International Malaysia Law Conference on Monday (July 10), Anwar expressed disappointment in certain factions that assert Malaysia solely belongs to the Malays, disregarding the country’s multicultural nature.
This response from Anwar follows Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s persistent claim that “Malaysia is a Malay country,” despite facing backlash from advocates of multiculturalism. Dr Mahathir recently drafted a 12-point Malay Proclamation, seeking to unify Malays in the nation. Notably, leaders from PAS and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) have endorsed the proclamation, aligning themselves with Dr Mahathir’s vision.
Furthermore, Anwar took a swipe at the Opposition for continuously raising the issue of race. He asserted, “As a Malay, I deeply respect the Malay culture, tradition, rulers, and language. However, this does not make me a racist or someone who denies the rights of others.” Anwar expressed his perplexity at the nation’s fixation on the topic of race, emphasizing the urgency to discuss more important matters such as governance, economic advancement, and digital technology.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
