Anwar: Let’s celebrate May 13

The opposition leader calls on Malaysians not to fall prey to Umno-BN's politics of fear.

IPOH: Pakatan Rakyat supremo Anwar Ibrahim wants Malaysians to cast aside their fear over the May 13 racial riots and instead celebrate the day, which saw scores perish.

He said Malaysians must no longer fall prey to the politics of fear perpetuated by Umno and Barisan Nasional.

On the other hand, Anwar wanted May 13 to be turned into a celebration of unity for all Malaysians to think of themselves as “Anak Malaysia”.

“Let May 13 be a new day for a new Malaysian spirit, rejecting all manner of racism,” he said.

Anwar pointed out that Malaysians have changed their political outlook in the just concluded polls to think as Malaysians only and not along racial lines.

“Our language, our understanding is no longer like in the 1960s – the young are now more confident [in respecting other races and religions]. This is your country, this is your land of the Malays, the Chinese, the Kadazans, the Ibans and others,” he told thousands of supporters here last night.

The two hour rally was held in front of Perak PKR office and Pakatan speakers included PKR state chief Dr Muhamad Nur Manutty and his deputy Dr Lee Boon Chye, R Sivarasa, Badrul Hashim Shaharin, Batu MP Tian Chua, PKR Elizabeth Wong and PKR Srikandi chief Siti Aishah Shaik Ismail.

Calling on Malaysians of all races to “save the country”, Anwar said: “If you believe (in the unity of all races), then save your country, save your future, save your family. Stop corruption and abuse of power and throw out the arrogant leaders.”

However, he added that Section 153 of the Federal Constitution which touched on the special position of the Malays would be maintained.

“What is wrong with non-Malays and non-Muslims to want to be respected and their rights upheld?” he asked.

He urged all Malaysians to unite and show their united front to face the onslaught of Umno-BN’s racial politics.

Hitting out at Umno, he asked: “What type of Islam are they (Umno) practicing as in Islam you cannot have racism.”

He said it is better for Muslims to work with the non-Muslims who are decent, righteous and have principles rather than those who follow Islam but are corrupt and cheat their own citizens.

Anwar also took a swipe at former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad for his allegedly pretentious attitude of saving the Malays from the non-Malays.

“He is not saving the Anak Malaysians but only his ‘Anak sendiri’ (own child),” he said.

Anwar also took a shot at BN and accused them of trusting foreigners and not Malaysians to support the BN coalition in the recent polls.

“Is it Malaysia or Banglasia?” he quipped to rapturous laughter from the crowd.