PM: Racial issues raised to oppose every govt move
Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain
Published: Aug 30, 2025 12:42 PM
Updated: 3:50 PM
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has lamented how racial rhetoric is being weaponised to sideline Putrajaya’s efforts at bettering the people’s welfare.
In a special National Day address at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (Maeps), Selangor, he claimed that certain quarters often fall back on racial sentiments to express their opposition to the government’s decisions.
“Every time there is an appointment, every time there is a new initiative, every time there is a new bill, racial issues are raised.
“(However), I’m thankful that the majority of the rakyat can still use their wisdom (to) look at facts and figures instead of negative sentiments which can weaken the strength and fabric of our nation,” the prime minister said.
Anwar said that while Malaysia is unique in terms of the unity among people of various races and religions, such “negative elements” betray the very essence of the nation’s spirit.
While the Tambun MP did not detail the specific government moves targeted by those peddling racial issues, he had yesterday urged critics of the Urban Renewal Bill not to exploit racial sentiments.
Protesters at Parliament against the proposed Urban Renewal law
The call came after he lambasted the opposition for accusing Putrajaya of trying to displace Malays through the bill, stressing that he is not a puppet who would allow himself to be used by anyone to drive out Malays so the Chinese can take over their housing.
The bill, which faced fierce criticism from the opposition and concerned stakeholders, was tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on Aug 21, with its second reading having taken place on Aug 28.
Debates and voting for the bill, however, have been postponed to the next Dewan Rakyat meeting in October, with Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming saying they would introduce some improvements to the proposal.
People’s issues
Meanwhile, Anwar said today he is aware of how the nation is facing “problems” which require the government’s attention, assuring that his administration is intent on addressing them to improve the people’s wellbeing.
“Every cabinet meeting never passes without discussions on issues faced by the people, be it regarding education, health, or living costs.
“A five sen increase (in the price of goods) worries us, even though we know in other countries the increase is sharper, and even though we know when our friends on the other side governed, those prices shot up,” he said.
Anwar asserted that the Madani government will not compromise with groups that use illegal and treacherous ways to damage the nation, pointing to enforcement action taken against long-established chicken cartels.
“Are things already perfect? No. Smuggling still exists, (but) the spirit of independence means defending and liberating our nation from corruption, smuggling, and other illegal activities (through) our determination to free ourselves and eliminate such harmful practices,” he added.
The bill, which faced fierce criticism from the opposition and concerned stakeholders, was tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on Aug 21, with its second reading having taken place on Aug 28.
Debates and voting for the bill, however, have been postponed to the next Dewan Rakyat meeting in October, with Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming saying they would introduce some improvements to the proposal.
People’s issues
Meanwhile, Anwar said today he is aware of how the nation is facing “problems” which require the government’s attention, assuring that his administration is intent on addressing them to improve the people’s wellbeing.
“Every cabinet meeting never passes without discussions on issues faced by the people, be it regarding education, health, or living costs.
“A five sen increase (in the price of goods) worries us, even though we know in other countries the increase is sharper, and even though we know when our friends on the other side governed, those prices shot up,” he said.
Anwar asserted that the Madani government will not compromise with groups that use illegal and treacherous ways to damage the nation, pointing to enforcement action taken against long-established chicken cartels.
“Are things already perfect? No. Smuggling still exists, (but) the spirit of independence means defending and liberating our nation from corruption, smuggling, and other illegal activities (through) our determination to free ourselves and eliminate such harmful practices,” he added.
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Sad to say, PMX is besieged by a combination of ambitious-but-lazy opposition and people who hate him.
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