PKR’s leaders Malay, but will not sideline other races, says Anwar

 

Anwar Ibrahim said a ‘moderate’ approach is key to change, amid criticism from various parties. (Facebook pic)

PUTRAJAYA: PKR will not sideline the needs of other races even though its core leadership is Malay, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The PKR president said he noted concerns regarding non-Malay issues, and stressed that the party’s leadership will act fairly.

“There are concerns that the problems of the other races are not being handled … the core is still Malay-Muslim, but we guarantee fairness for all races and religions.

“We will not compromise on this,” he said at the PKR congress at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre last night.

At the same time, Anwar said, all races must feel part of this great nation.

“This nation will not be ‘safe’ if it does not believe that the views of other races must be upheld,” he said.

Previously, a PKR representative had alleged that there was dissatisfaction among the party’s non-Malay members with its failure to nominate Chinese or Indian leaders for exco seats in Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.

Asking not to be named, they said they hoped PKR would discuss the role of its non-Malay members at the congress.

Anwar said a “moderate” approach is key to change, amid criticism from various parties.

“Even though we are buffeted from left and right – one party says we are slow, another says we are not Islamic and Malay enough – I say we need to take the moderate, middle-ground approach, keeping the interests of all in mind,” he said.

He called on party members to take heed of the administration’s previous experiences in power.

“We and the unity government must learn from experience. It is also not right to pressure too much for change in all areas,” he said. - FMT