Amanah president Mohamad Sabu has urged Malays and bumiputera to move away from racial politics and instead focus on fair competition with other communities in business and entrepreneurship.
He said resentment and racial sentiment would only weaken the community’s competitiveness over time.
“I’ve been hearing about racial issues since my school days. People often speak harshly about other communities, but that doesn’t solve anything.
“Those who hold a blue identity card are Malaysians - they are our fellow citizens too,” he said during his winding-up speech at the Amanah National Convention 2025 in Shah Alam today.
Mohamad stressed that Amanah rejects racial politics, upholding morality and integrity as its guiding principles.
He also urged members to view competition with other communities as an opportunity to strengthen bumiputera capabilities rather than as a source of hostility.
“Compete with others in a healthy way. In the past, Malays opened barbershops, but within a year, those businesses were taken over by others. Why did that happen? Because we lost our resilience and competitive spirit.”
Overreliance on govt aid
The Kota Raja MP also criticised the overreliance on government aid, warning that dependence has eroded self-reliance and accountability.
“There are government programmes meant to help the people, but they’re poorly managed and end up failing.
“For example, fish farms given through grants and subsidies eventually become frog ponds after two years.
“There are many cases like this. We need to change our mindset and work ethic,” he said.
The agriculture and food security minister further expressed concern over the growing dominance of foreign workers in the agricultural and traditional rural sectors, saying Malaysia risks losing its economic balance if locals continue to abandon these industries.
“Government statistics show that many foreign workers are now involved in farming vegetables, rice and so on.
“If we don’t seize these opportunities, others will dominate the sector,” he stressed.
Mohamad assured that the government under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim remains committed to supporting farmers and fisherfolk through targeted subsidies and assistance.
“Many people don’t realise that when there’s a proposal to raise prices, the prime minister always asks first, ‘Will this make the people angry?’
“Every decision is made carefully to ensure the public isn’t burdened,” he added.
Manage differences properly
Turning to internal party matters, Mohamad said differences of opinion were natural in any democratic organisation but must be handled with wisdom and decorum.
“In a convention like this, differing opinions are normal. It shows we are alive and thinking.
“But we must manage our differences properly so they lead to decisions that strengthen the party.”
He reminded Amanah members holding government positions to remain active in party activities and not appear only when in office.
“Some are appointed to government roles but don’t attend Amanah events. I hope they’ll start using weekends to engage in party programmes.
“Even those who couldn’t attend today, I still pray for their well-being,” he said.
As Amanah marks a decade since its founding, Mohamad said the party must continue to strengthen its foundation through education and tarbiyah (spiritual and moral training).
“Our leadership isn’t made up entirely of great philosophers or big names - most are hardworking party members.
“For those who criticise, continue to do so - but make sure you’re also doing the work.” - Mkini
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