PUTRAJAYA: Prolonged disputes among the people must be avoided as it would only weaken efforts to build a peaceful and resilient nation, and undermine national harmony, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“The country will not be peaceful if we are constantly fighting,” the Prime Minister said at the Home Ministry’s Ihya Ramadan event.
Anwar said issues that had surfaced in recent weeks, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and controversy surrounding a temple allegedly built on unauthorised land, must be handled based on the law and facts rather than emotions.
“Everything must follow the rules and be based on the law.”
The Prime Minister said the government has never prevented or restricted any religious activities, but they must be guided by the Federal Constitution.
“There is no restriction at all. But follow the rules. That is all we ask. I hope this matter can be resolved properly.”
Anwar said any complaint against a government official or agency must be grounded in law and backed by a thorough investigation instead of perception.
It should not be driven by punishment without due process or political motives, he added.
“Investigations must not be rushed. Any investigation involving public officers must follow due process of the law.”
The Prime Minister reiterated that punitive action before the completion of a detailed investigation would be inappropriate.
“Those who have served and sacrificed for decades across various agencies, if their weaknesses violate principles or if the mistakes are serious, then follow the legal process. If there are substantial complaints, bring them through the proper channels.
“To punish first before investigating is not the path I choose. Let us not be hasty simply because we dislike someone or because he is not from our group.
“Nor should we act out of resentment because that person has taken action against groups associated with us. We must guard against such tendencies.”
Anwar also called on the people to strengthen their resilience and set high standards in all their endeavours, urging them to strive for excellence equivalent to an “A+”.
He also cautioned against the spread of misinformation.
The Prime Minister reminded the public that Ramadan is not only a month of fasting, but an opportunity for self-renewal, moral strengthening and collective responsibility towards building a better nation.
“This is an opportunity to reassess their weaknesses and strive for progress not only in faith, but also in character, work performance, commitment and personal discipline,” he said.
Anwar also said that human development should not be narrowly defined by technological advancement alone, but must also be guided by moral and ethical values.
“Society must remain sensitive to poverty and social inequalities, while avoiding hypocrisy and superficial gestures in the name of development.
“True progress must be anchored in truth, sincerity and accountability. We must avoid division, favouritism and actions that weaken unity,” he added.
On governance, Anwar said the government carried a heavy responsibility in addressing national challenges, including inflation and systemic issues.
While acknowledging that the country’s economic health was relatively better than often perceived, the Prime Minister said rising costs of living remained a pressing concern.
Anwar also said aid must reach those genuinely in need, and social problems, particularly negative behavioural trends among youths, must be understood and addressed comprehensively.
