Anwar: Stop sowing doubts, end racial and political hostility

 

In his National Day address to the nation, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called for an end to the sowing of doubts as well as racial and political hostility.

Instead, he said valuable time should be spent on forming strategies and working hard towards raising the country’s dignity.

“(Merdeka) is not the freedom to sow doubts or insults but to raise human dignity. 

“With that prerequisite and clear policy, we are able to pave the way,” he told some 6,000 people at the event held in Putrajaya today.

In attendance were the two deputy prime ministers, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof, several ministers, senior government officials, community representatives, and students.

In his speech, Anwar called on the public to adopt the spirit of independence in their thoughts and reject any attempts by individuals to undermine the nation’s unity.

Social contract

The Pakatan Harapan chairperson said that on the road to transforming Malaysia into a great nation, the society needed to be independent in its mind and soul and be free from colonialist thinking.

“There are great nations that emerged as powerful countries, with magnificent civilisations. However, they were destroyed due to mismanagement, corruption, and played with religious fanaticism,” he said.

Anwar, who is in his first term as prime minister, said the public must be dedicated to making Malaysia a competitive country in Southeast Asia.

He said that the unity among races was especially important now, after a mediocre performance over the past 20 years. 

He added that his Madani government is committed to upholding the rights of all citizens.

“This includes the provisions that the official language (of the nation) is Malay, Islam is the official federal religion, (ensuring) Malay and bumiputera privileges, and the sovereignty of the Malay rulers.

“This country will continue to certify the social contract between all races and guarantee the right of every citizen to practise their religion and their culture,” he added. - Mkini