SERDANG: The Chinese community should focus on the economy and the conscience of the majority of Malaysians who want peace, and not be swayed by the minority who stir up trouble, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He also said that as long as the constitutional status of Bahasa Melayu is recognised and not sidelined, Malaysians should be encouraged to improve their command of the Chinese language, as it is now a global economic language.
Anwar said this at the Chinese New Year celebration of the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) at Wisma Huazong in Seri Kembangan here on Thursday (Feb 26).
Also at the event were Cabinet ministers, Huazong president Datuk Lim Kah Chuan, and prominent members of the Chinese business community.
"Not many countries are like Malaysia, where the celebrations of every community have become celebrations for all.
"There are those who stir up trouble and get angry – they are a small group of people. The majority of people want a peaceful, progressive country that respects all religions and cultures.
"We should look at the conscience of the majority, but we sometimes reflect the view of the small minority. This is allowed, but the majority wants peace, unity and prosperity. Of course, we have to ensure that this is done through good governance and proper procedures, but also through mutual respect.
"This is what we have to spread – do not merely keep quiet. Do not allow these groups to stir up trouble.
"In celebrations like these, although we are fasting, we attend in the spirit of celebrating the festivals of every community. Even when the Singapore Prime Minister came to visit, we only continued discussions after we broke fast," said Anwar.
He called on the Chinese community not to feel that they are on the losing end when they give due respect to Bahasa Melayu.
"When we give respect to the language and culture of others, no one loses out. No one has denied that this country's official religion is Islam and the official language is Bahasa Melayu. No one has denied the status of Bahasa Melayu in the Federal Constitution. However, everyone has the right to practice their religion freely and advance their own languages.
"We have been delayed by decades, but now we have made the decision that as long as everyone accepts the status of Bahasa Melayu, they may continue studying English or the Chinese language.
"The Chinese language is not only a language of the Chinese community, but has also become an economic language in Asia and the world. In Western universities, Chinese is offered as an elective language. Malaysia would be at a loss if we do not create space for the Chinese language to be strengthened while ensuring Bahasa Melayu is not sidelined. The Chinese language should also be taught at tertiary institutions.
"In a country with many political parties, not everything we do will be agreed to by everyone. If racial sentiment is played up, all our statements will be spun, but the Madani Cabinet is consistent in its decisions," said Anwar.
He also praised the establishment of the Malaysian Chinese Museum, located in Wisma Huazong, as it is important for Malaysians to understand the contributions of every community to the country.
"History is our strength. What is shown is that every community played its role and suffered in the fight against the colonialists.
"Although we may have differences of opinion on history, the cruelty of the colonialists that we have endured should now lead us to uphold humanity. The focus is to elevate human values.
"Malaysia tends to be dragged into minor issues to the extent that we forget that if the economy is not strong and investment does not increase, there is no hope for our youths.
"To succeed is not to satisfy a few minor groups. To succeed, we must focus on the interests of the people and the economy. If we have that attitude, we are in the best position to raise this country to be the best in this region," said Anwar.
Earlier, in his speech, Huazong president Lim urged the Prime Minister to rein in those with ill intentions and extremist politicians who manipulate 3R issues.
“We propose that the government give serious attention to those with ill intentions or extremist politicians who attempt to manipulate and undermine harmony by exploiting 3R issues (Race, Religion and Royalty), while at the same time taking firm and uncompromising action, fairly, against all parties involved.
"Second: From the perspective of the Chinese community, we greatly appreciate the government’s concern and allocations to Chinese vernacular primary schools (SJKC), Chinese independent secondary schools and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR).
"We also propose that the government extend similar attention and funding to three private universities established by the Chinese community – Southern University College, New Era University College and Han Chiang University College – to help ease the long-standing burden borne by the community in supporting the government’s efforts in providing higher education.
"We are deeply encouraged by the Prime Minister’s recent announcement allowing graduates of Chinese independent secondary schools to apply for admission into public universities using the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), subject to obtaining a credit in Bahasa Melayu and a pass in History in the SPM examination (UEC+2). We hope the government will ensure that public universities have sufficient quotas to accommodate the anticipated demand," said Lim.
Lim also applauded Anwar for bringing in substantial foreign investments, driving economic growth, strengthening the ringgit and enhancing entrepreneurship and the people’s happiness index.
"We are also greatly encouraged by the increasingly close Malaysia-China relations over the past three years. The frequent reciprocal visits between the Prime Minister and Chinese leaders have yielded positive outcomes across various sectors. We firmly believe that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, which has spanned half a century, will continue to advance into a second, even more glorious, ‘Golden 50 Years’," said Lim.
