Malaysia Day 2024: Reject religious extremism, urges PM

KOTA KINABALU: Malaysians must reject religious extremism and hatred in all forms, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic).

The Prime Minister called for compassion and love among the people, urging them to learn from the formation of Malaysia.

He noted that those who fought for the country's freedom over 60 years ago did not have academic certificates but possessed a strong conscience to fight for the nation and its people.

“They had the good conscience to fight for the country and the people,” he said during the Malaysia Day 2024 celebrations at Padang Merdeka on Monday (Sept 16).

Anwar urged Malaysians to free themselves from outdated and narrow thinking.

"Free yourselves from hating each other, from judging and oppressing people. The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and programmes, we work together to achieve, we do this together," he said.

The Prime Minister assured that no one in Malaysia would be sidelined by the Madani government.

Anwar said the government is responsive to the people's problems, no matter where they are in the country.

“The grievances of a child in Kundasang (in Sabah), a woman in pain in Kapit (Sarawak), or in Manek Urai, Kelantan, those are cries that we must listen to,” he said.

He acknowledged that every state has issues but emphasised that leaders must help all people in Malaysia regardless of their background.

Anwar expressed gratitude for having Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg as allies.

“Although I admit there are problems we must resolve, I am lucky that when I became the PM, my two friends, the Sabah CM and Sarawak Premier, spoke honestly and reprimanded in good faith. They demand but in the spirit of friendship, to make Malaysia successful. I hope other leaders will learn from them,” he said.

Anwar reminded Malaysians of the struggles and sacrifices of the founding leaders that led to the formation of the country 61 years ago.

He noted that neighbouring countries initially blocked the formation of Malaysia.

“At that time, there were attempts to stop Sabah and Sarawak from joining the formation of the Federation of Malaysia. But now, these nations are our good friends,” he said, referring to the strong objections from Indonesia.