Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim dismissed allegations that his government is against Islam, stressing that the opposition is deliberately exploiting religious issues for political gain.
Speaking at the 27th Reformasi anniversary of PKR in Malacca today, he criticised the attitude of several opposition leaders, whom he said had resorted to using religion as a cover to attack the government with abusive words and wild accusations.
“I rarely comment on individuals, but when I heard an MP claim that ‘our dignity has been tarnished’, I had to ask - during their time in government, when PAS was part of the (federal) administration, was gambling reduced or increased?
“Do not speak based on whims, using religion as a cover, when reality tells a different story,” he said.
Anwar said he was open to criticism made in good faith, to improve morals in line with the Madani concept, but rejected any accusation portraying the government as being anti-Islam.
“Where are we against Islam? We have increased allocations for Islamic development, supported tahfiz schools, and provided opportunities for huffaz students to further their studies at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutes,” he said.
Also present were Malacca PKR Leadership Council chairperson Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin and PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh.
Meanwhile, Anwar raised the record of the previous Perikatan Nasional administration, which he said failed to strengthen the Islamic agenda and had instead increased the number of special lottery draws.
“Compare the Madani government with PN. What Islamic programmes did they introduce through the Education Ministry?
“Gambling activities increased, with the number of special draws raised to 22. PAS should not make that criticism because it was during their time in government that the increase took place,” he said.
He said that the reform movement has taught people to voice criticism based on facts, rather than labelling others as infidels or hypocrites without evidence.
“We teach people to have the courage to denounce corruption, not to use religion to deceive them,” he said, stressing that the Madani government will continue to uphold Islamic values through clean and just governance, while safeguarding the people’s welfare.
Acting against corruption, rejecting racial politics
Touching on integrity, Anwar said MACC has been given full freedom to act without political interference.
“If there are ministers, deputy ministers, or anyone in this government involved in corruption, we will not protect them. Stolen assets must be returned to the people,” he said.
In addition, the prime minister said the government would continue to strengthen unity by rejecting racial politics and ensuring balanced development across the peninsula, Sabah, and Sarawak, including upgrading dilapidated schools and expediting basic infrastructure projects.
Anwar also said strategic investments, particularly in the semiconductor sector in Penang, Sarawak, and Sabah, would be further encouraged, in line with Malaysia’s aspiration to become a key player in emerging technologies.
“This country must be led with determination, hard work, and trust, not with rhetoric or hatred. Malaysia Madani is for all the people, regardless of race and religion,” he said.
Earlier, Anwar officiated the new headquarters of the Malacca PKR State Leadership Council.
- Bernama
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