Racial strife benefits only the elite, says Anwar

The prime minister hits out at self-serving leaders who play the race card and complain that everything the government does is wrong.

(FMT) – Leaders who pit races against each other only benefit themselves by gaining votes and wealth, which ultimately harms the people, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.

“Racial strife benefits the upper class (and) impoverishes the lower-income group further,” he said.

Instead, leaders should choose to engage and work with the government to assist the people, regardless of race, and to develop the nation, he said according to Bernama.

Anwar said the best approach is to cooperate and negotiate effectively to gain the government’s attention in collectively uplifting the dignity of all ethnic groups and regions.

“Some choose to cooperate, while some choose only to criticise and see everything as wrong. Eventually, the community becomes angry, using social media to curse and insult,” he said at an event in Putrajaya today to present contributions from the Maju Institute of Educational Development.

Anwar said he respected the views of MIC president SA Vigneswaran, who chose to meet with him to bring up issues concerning the Indian community and ask for assistance.

He said leaders from PKR, MIC and DAP choose to negotiate to help and improve the quality of life for all the people.

“This is the approach that must be chosen. Build the country and work as a team, not use forums to condemn, cast aspersions and deny any positive contributions by the government,” he said.

Anwar said as prime minister, he has pledged to serve and lead all Malaysians regardless of race or background.

He said racism should be shunned and Malaysian dignity should be elevated to make the country successful, robust and great again.