PUTRAJAYA: With fascism and right-wing ideologies appearing to gain ground in the West, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed the importance of maintaining unity in Malaysia.
Anwar said there also seems to be a strong wave of racism and Islamophobia spreading in the United States and Europe at present.
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"We have no other choice. This country must be safe and we must not underestimate this," he said during the National Unity Ministry's monthly assembly here on Monday (Feb 9).
"Fascism and racism are on the rise... (as well as) Islamophobia, hatred of minorities, of different races and other religions," he added.
Anwar also said it is shocking that such beliefs are being practised by those who are educated.
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"The intelligent and the educated... are not ignorant and stupid. But how is it possible for a wise and intelligent person to take such an attitude?"
Anwar said the government will be able to focus on national and regional development if the country is peaceful and stable.
"I can’t possibly think of all this if our economy isn’t producing much. So, all of this is related.
"Only with stable politics and economy, as well as correct policies, will we be able to attract foreign investments," he said, noting that the National Unity Ministry has a huge role to play in fostering tolerance in society.
"This Ministry must emerge as the best example (of unity)," he stressed.
