MELAKA, Sept 21 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has once again cautioned political parties against exploiting racial issues to gain public support.
He said such tactics are often deployed when political parties find themselves in desperate situations, particularly during political dynamics that work against them.
“When politics becomes convoluted and contentious, parties withdraw support and resort to playing the racial card. When desperate, they use race again,” he said when officiating the 41st Malaysia Chinese Cultural Festival at Kota Syahbandar here yesterday.
Also present were Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong and Melaka State Secretary Datuk Salhah Salleh.
Anwar noted that Malaysia has been independent for 69 years, adding that racial issues should no longer be the primary focus of any community in the country.
As the nation approaches nearly 70 years of independence, Anwar said Malaysia must emerge as a nation that thrives on the collective strength of its diverse races, regardless of who leads the country.
“My speech tonight is more of an appeal – an appeal for us to return to our collective strength. Every voice counts for our survival. Have we not had enough of endless arguments and disputes? Whose country is this? It is our country.
“In the 1940s and 1950s, I can understand. The nation was on the verge of independence, and each group was concerned about its racial survival. In the 1960s, yes, Malaysia was a young nation,” he said.
Anwar stressed that every voice must now focus on the future survival of Malaysia as a unified nation.
“Whoever is given the mandate, whoever is supported, must promise to protect the people, safeguard the country, and secure the future of our children as one nation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Anwar reiterated that the government will not compromise on corruption and abuse of power, pledging to eradicate it completely.
“My government and I will show zero tolerance, and I will continue to act decisively to clean this country of corruption,” he said. — Bernama
Date: 21 September, 2026 10:31 am
Source: Malay Mail
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