“Respect and Coexistence Built Malaysia” PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysians to continue safeguarding unity, mutual respect and harmony among the country’s multi-religious and multi-ethnic communities during the “Wacana Harmoni MADANI” programme held in conjunction with the Wesak Day celebration.

Speaking at the event, Anwar said Malaysia was founded on the spirit of togetherness and cooperation championed by the country’s founding father, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, under the principle of “Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu”.

He stressed that diversity and differences are not new to Malaysia but instead form the foundation of the nation since independence.

The Prime Minister noted that while Islam remains the religion of the Federation and Malays and Bumiputera communities make up the majority population, the country has always been built upon mutual respect and appreciation for different races and religions.

Anwar also reaffirmed that the Malaysia MADANI concept seeks to strengthen the values of compassion, ethics and humanity as the core principles of nation-building.

He emphasised that interfaith dialogue and intellectual discourse must continue to be nurtured instead of allowing divisive narratives, hatred and fearmongering to spread for narrow political interests.

The Prime Minister urged moderate and peace-loving Malaysians to speak up in defence of national unity and social harmony.

He warned against allowing what he described as the “tyranny of the minority”, small groups that exploit racial sentiments and misinformation to undermine Malaysia’s future and the long-standing spirit of peaceful coexistence among its people.