“No Chinese Go Back to China, No Indians Go Back to India, All Are Malaysian Citizens” – PM Anwar

PAROI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has condemned the use of racial rhetoric in politics, describing it as an insult to human dignity and contrary to the spirit of unity and the Federal Constitution.

He stressed that Malaysia has achieved independence for nearly 70 years, and the people need to be more mature by accepting the fact that every citizen, regardless of race, is part of the larger Malaysian family.

“So even now, in the midst of political chaos, there are still those who say ‘Chinese go back to China, Indians go back to India’. That is an insult to human beings.

“If I ask an Indian child, go back to India, does he know where to go back to? He doesn’t know. All he knows is that this is his country,” he said in a speech at the Temu Anwar Programme at the Islamic Dakwah Centre Hall, Paroi.

According to Anwar, the recognition of the rights of people from all races does not in any way mean rejecting or eroding the position of the Malays which has been enshrined in the Constitution.

He said the position of Islam as the religion of the Federation, the institution of the Malay Rulers, the Malay language as the national language, as well as the special privileges of the Malays and Bumiputera, remain preserved, while the Constitution at the same time guarantees the rights of all Malaysians regardless of race.

“The Constitution also guarantees that the people of Malaysia from all races must be embraced as one family. We must give recognition to them.

“Recognition of all does not mean rejecting anyone. The position of the Malays remains guaranteed,” he said.

Elaborating further, Anwar said efforts to defend the rights of the Indian and Chinese communities have never been aimed at undermining the position of the Malays or changing the foundations of the Constitution.

Instead, he stressed that politics that stirs up racial hatred only serves to garner narrow support and brings no benefit to the country.

“If we want Malays to succeed, Malays must have principles, must be educated and set a good example.

“Do not insult others, be fair and just. Prophet Muhammad SAW is the best example, not because He was Arab, but because He is the best example of a human being,” he said.

Anwar also stressed that he wants to be remembered as a Prime Minister who is fair and loves all the people, regardless of their racial or religious background.

“I try my utmost to be a good Prime Minister, one who is fair, who takes care of everyone and loves the people. I want the people to love me, not because I am Malay, but because I am fair to everyone,” he said.

Astro Awani