KUALA LUMPUR: Anwar Ibrahim has vowed that PKR will continue fighting for “fair representation” for all ethnic groups in Malaysia and to defend what is enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
Speaking at the party’s 25th anniversary celebration here today, Anwar said while Malaysia was a Muslim-majority nation, the rights of the other communities could not be denied.
“PKR will continue defending the principles of the constitution, and for the nation to be peaceful and successful, every ethnic group must have fair representation. The Malays and the Bumiputeras will not end up poor if we’re fair.
“They will not be left behind if we give (the non-Bumiputeras) their rights and representation. Although we have been constantly under attack because of (other parties’) close-minded racial sentiments, we will not budge. We will continue to defend these principles,” he said in a speech here.
He accused the opposition of continuing to play up race and religion issues in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election campaign, and maintained that PKR will defend the rights of every Malaysian.
Anwar said PKR members must never forget the party’s core principles and struggles despite it now being in power.
“Don’t use that power to accumulate wealth. We must use what has been entrusted to initiate change in Malaysia. We need to mature as a viable democracy, and this is a unique experience because not many Muslim-majority countries pride themselves in being a democratic nation.
“And we must uphold our values. Islam is the religion of the federation but we maintain the conviction that in order for Malaysia to succeed, we must respect and honour the right of every citizen.”
On foreign affairs, Anwar, who is prime minister, said Malaysia’s relationship with the US and Europe must be strengthened, and so should ties with China, Japan and South Korea. He said these countries were important neighbours beyond the surrounding countries in Asean. - FMT
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