Prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (in white) accompanied by Deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and chairman of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki at the 59th MARA day celebration ceremony and inauguration of Wakaf Mara Madani at WTC on Saturday (March 15). — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star.
KUALA LUMPUR: Aspersions should not be cast on the government's efforts to uplift and protect the interests of the Malay and bumiputra communities, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said certain groups had created controversy over the proposed Urban Renewal Act.
"I want to tell them, don't challenge us.
"If we want to help the poor – the majority of whom are Malays, with a small portion of Indians and some Chinese – and you want to interfere and hold a rally, we can gather at a stadium to defend the policy of helping the Malays," he said during his speech at the launch of the Wakaf Mara Madani in conjunction with the 59th Mara Day celebrations on Saturday (March 15).
Anwar criticised those who attacked the proposed law for political gain, obstructing progress for the urban poor.
"And those who oppose this (the proposed law) are Malays, from Malay and Islamist parties.
"What have they ever proposed to help the Malays? What have they proposed to help the urban poor Malays? Nothing!" he said.
Anwar added that anyone was free to give criticism.
"If you want to offer additional views, feel free to do so, but don't betray our efforts.
"This is part of the government's commitment to create development and progress and to reach better outcomes," he said.
In February PAS Youth said it was planning to hold a rally to protest the proposed Urban Renewal Act, claiming that it would "displace minorities".
Anwar had previously said that the proposed law would not cause any homeowners or landowners to be evicted.
