Anwar: Govt will protect country from racial conflicts

Steeped in tradition: Women pouring water on the hands of elderly people as part of Songkran celebrations at the Prachapirom temple in Narathiwat. — AFP

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will strive to protect the country and the people from falling into narrow racial conflicts, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

In a Facebook post, he said the government was going to put an end to the attempts by quarters to use identity politics to divide society.

“The key to racial unity that we have achieved so far is mutual respect, which is one of the important elements in developing Malaysia Madani,” read the post.

In conjunction with the week-long Thai Songkran celebration, Anwar called on the Siamese community to unite with other Malaysians and share goals and vision, while maintaining unity and cooperation to develop the country, reported Bernama.

“Hence, we will together lead Malaysia towards a developed and prosperous nation. Happy celebrating the Songkran Festival to the Siamese community in Malaysia,” he said.

Also known as the water splashing festival, Songkran is a Thai New Year celebration which is celebrated for several days beginning April 13 each year.