MM:
Anwar says ethnicity of Penang’s chief minister reflects state’s demographics
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attends a meeting with civil servants at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Permatang Pauh in Penang April 14, 2023. Also present is Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (right). — Bernama pic
Friday, 14 Apr 2023 6:21 PM MYT
SEBERANG PERAI, April 14 — The post of Penang chief minister is held by a non-Malay because a majority of the state population is non-Malay, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said in Kelantan, a majority of the population is Malay; therefore, the menteri besar is Malay.
“Some people have said it is time that the chief ministership in Penang is held by a Malay.
“But I must remind them that regardless of the ethnicity of the chief minister, don’t forget that the prime minister is Malay and the Agong is Malay,” he said in his speech during a meeting with civil servants at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Permatang Pauh here.
He said the main issue is to focus on clean governance free from corrupt practices.
Later, when asked to elaborate during a press conference, he said his main point is that the state government and its chief minister must have the ability to deliver.
“My point is not whether they are Chinese, Malay or Indian. The issue here is governance and the ability to deliver,” he said.
He reiterated that the prime minister is Malay, the deputy prime minister is Malay and the finance minister is Malay.
“I am a prime minister for all, not only for one race,” he said.
Friday, 14 Apr 2023 6:21 PM MYT
SEBERANG PERAI, April 14 — The post of Penang chief minister is held by a non-Malay because a majority of the state population is non-Malay, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said in Kelantan, a majority of the population is Malay; therefore, the menteri besar is Malay.
“Some people have said it is time that the chief ministership in Penang is held by a Malay.
“But I must remind them that regardless of the ethnicity of the chief minister, don’t forget that the prime minister is Malay and the Agong is Malay,” he said in his speech during a meeting with civil servants at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Permatang Pauh here.
He said the main issue is to focus on clean governance free from corrupt practices.
Later, when asked to elaborate during a press conference, he said his main point is that the state government and its chief minister must have the ability to deliver.
“My point is not whether they are Chinese, Malay or Indian. The issue here is governance and the ability to deliver,” he said.
He reiterated that the prime minister is Malay, the deputy prime minister is Malay and the finance minister is Malay.
“I am a prime minister for all, not only for one race,” he said.
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kt comments:
Penangites are the least racist conscious Malaysians. In 1957 George Town (95% Chinese) elected DS Ramanathan as its first mayor, and kept reelecting him until 1961, when by then local council elections were suspended due to the Confrontation with Indonesia.
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DS Ramanathan |
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