PM Anwar appeals for unity, tells parties to stop playing racial card when desperate

MELAKA, September 21 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has once again discouraged political parties from utilizing racial issues to garner public support. He warned that such behavior often occurs when political parties find themselves in challenging circumstances, especially when facing difficulties in the political landscape.

"When politics becomes complex and contentious, parties distance themselves and turn to the racial card when desperate," Anwar stated during the opening of the 41st Malaysia Chinese Cultural Festival at Kota Syahbandar here yesterday. Attendees included Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong and Melaka State Secretary Datuk Salhah Salleh.

Anwar pointed out that Malaysia has been an independent nation for 69 years, emphasizing that racial matters should no longer dominate the concerns of any community in the country. As Malaysia nears its 70th year of independence, he urged the nation to embrace its collective strength, irrespective of the leadership. "Tonight, my message is an appeal – a call for us to regain our collective strength.

Every voice matters for our survival. Is it not time we ceased our endless debates and conflicts? Whose country is this? It belongs to us all," Anwar said. He stressed that in the 1940s and 1950s, this concern was understandable, as the nation was on the brink of independence and each group was worried about its racial survival.

He also acknowledged that in the 1960s, Malaysia was still a young nation. Anwar reiterated that every voice now must concentrate on securing Malaysia's survival as a unified country. "Whoever is given the mandate, whoever is supported, must pledge to protect the people, defend the country, and ensure the future of our children as one nation," he emphasized.

Anwar also reiterated that his government will not compromise on corruption and abuse of power, vowing to eliminate it entirely. "My government and I will demonstrate zero tolerance, and I will continue to take decisive action to cleanse this country of corruption," he declared.