Malaysian pride: The crowd waving the Jalur Gemilang during the launch of the National Day 2024 event in Putrajaya. — ART CHEN/The Star
PUTRAJAYA: Warning that stern action awaits those who sabotage unity, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said there is no place under the Malaysian sun for those who play the racial or religious card.
The Prime Minister said Malaysia’s strength has always been its unity and this must continue to be fostered.
“Malaysia is great nation because of her people. For her to be greater, her people must stand firmly united.
“Our strength and success come from this,” he said in his National Day address here yesterday.
Anwar added that those who incite racial hatred and animosity have no place in the country.
“I do not care what the foreign media says. It is our duty to save our country from those who disrupt harmony.
“We will use whatever strength and power we have to protect our harmony.
“If that is not enough, we are willing to amend laws to keep this country safe and (ensure it) is respected as a great nation,” he pledged.
The Prime Minister said every Malaysian deserves to have their rights protected, while the welfare of ethnic groups will be looked into.
Islam, as the religion of the federation, would be upheld while other faiths allowed to be practised, he added.
“All this can be done without disrupting harmony, and in the spirit of love for the country.
“No one will be sidelined,” he said.
Anwar added that Malaysia is on the right track and has the potential to excel, pointing to unity as the key to success.
“Therefore, we must break down all walls and barriers that hinder our journey towards excellence,” he said.
For Malaysia to enjoy greater success, the people must adopt a new culture where greed and the misuse of power would not be tolerated.
“A new culture for Malaysia means that her leaders are responsible and honest, and not rob the country of its wealth or abuse their power,” he added.
The Prime Minister also reminded the people of the importance of protecting the country’s sovereignty and independence.
He said while Malaysia attained independence without having to go to war or experience any bloodshed, it took the forefathers’ sweat and tears to make it happen.
