SUNGAI PETANI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has appealed to Malaysians to reject racist sentiments propagated by opposition political leaders.
Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, vowed that his principles of racial non-discrimination has never been compromised despite forming the Unity Government with Barisan Nasional (BN).
"What's wrong with us forming the government? We need help from all the people. This is the principle. It's true that within the government, there may be shortcomings, but there is one principle that we cannot compromise.
"And I mentioned this during PKR National Congress. When I was attacked, it made the Malays fearful because I had a good relationship with the Indians. What? Is it not possible for someone to have a good relationship with people from other ethnicities?
"We should return to the original ideas brought by the father of independence, Tunku Abdul Rahman. This is a country with a constitution. Yes, the Malays should be protected. Yes, Islam is the religion of the Federation. Yes, the Malay rulers and their rights, but we will protect the rights of every single individual," he said in speech at gathering with the Sungai Petani Indian community here today.
Also present were Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and PKR Sungai Petani Member of Parliament Dr Taufiq Johari.
Anwar said that although all races in the country must respect Malay special privileges, the Indian community must retain their dignity and refrain from supporting any groups that promote racial discrimination.
"There are still (Indians) supporting those who adopt discriminatory policies and take a biased stance towards certain communities. What is this I hear about some Indians supporting Pas and Bersatu? Don't you have any dignity?
"What's is this? Do you understand what is happening in this country? We are in a conversation to change the course of history in this country," he added.
Commenting further, Anwar reassured that the Unity Government's efforts to eradicate hardcore poverty does not discrimate across all racial groups in the country.
He said that although Malays build up the majority of hardcore poor, a significant portion of the poorest within the income group are of Indian backgrounds.
"This is a question of giving them their rightful place. If their children want to study, there should be a place for them to study with their peers.
"If their children are poor, can't we help and assist them? Get them employment. I am only saying, is there anything wrong with us as a government, to help all the people," he added.
