IPOH: Describing Malaysia’s multiracial communities as members of a big family, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on the people to focus on what is best for the country rather than constantly looking for issues.
The Prime Minister said peace is a fundamental pillar of the nation’s progress, but there are those who are constantly “looking for problems”, he added.
“Yesterday, I visited a Chinese school. I heard there were issues, so I approved allocations for Chinese national-type secondary schools,” he said at at a Chinese New Year gathering at SJK(C) Chong Hwa.
“Some will say that I always help Chinese schools.
“I was also in Padang Rengas on Saturday and visited a Malay village, where I provided aid to help them repair their homes,” he said.
The Prime Minister also pointed to the recent assistance extended to members of the Indian community in estates in Teluk Intan who needed help to repair their damaged homes.
He said that to be a leader, one must care for every community.
“This should be our spirit. Let us all think of what is best for the country,” Anwar added.
Acknowledging that taking care of a multiracial community is not an easy feat, the Prime Minister said sincerity is an important element to ensure this aim succeeds.
“If we are sincere and we take care (of everyone) properly, Malaysia can become the best,” he said.
Anwar also said that maintaining peace is of utmost priority for a country, pointing to Malaysia’s unique ability to remain peaceful despite having a population of more than 34 million people made up of various ethnic groups, including Malays, Chinese, Indians, Ibans and Kadazans.
He warned that if there are fights and tension, no matter how rich the country is, it will be destroyed.
“There are not many countries with multiracial communities that can sit peacefully together, but we can.
“We want to show our society and our children that if Malaysia is to progress, enjoy economic growth, improve education and have better hospitals, we must preserve peace in this country.”
