PUTRAJAYA: It would be arrogant to dismiss the people's choice or deny the rights of any community or political party that has participated in the democratic process, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the country's democratic system requires leaders to respect the people's mandate, adding that every community and political party that participates in elections deserves recognition.
"In the heat of politics, there are sometimes excesses. We all have our personal sentiments and views, but we cannot adopt attitudes that are inhumane.
“We did not choose to be born Malay, Chinese or Indian, and we did not choose our skin colour.
"That is why, in Islam, respecting diversity is a fundamental principle. The Quran teaches that God created us as different peoples and tribes so that we may know and understand one another," he said during the Communications Ministry's monthly assembly on Monday (June 8).
Anwar said that Malaysia was built on core principles enshrined in the Federal Constitution, which remain the nation's guiding framework regardless of changes in political leadership.
"Governments may come and go, but the constitutional framework remains our guide.
"When it comes to who should stand alongside the Prime Minister in government and the Cabinet, we must respect every individual regardless of race or ethnicity.
"While the majority population is Malay, we have always been clear that no community should be marginalised," he said.
The Prime Minister, however, did not specify any political party or community in his speech.
On Sunday (June 7), Johor Barisan chairman and caretaker Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said Barisan Nasional will not work with DAP if it is given the mandate to form the state government after the coming state election.
He said the state’s political landscape differs from the situation at the federal level, adding that the coalition had never governed alongside DAP in the state.
Meanwhile, Anwar added that Malaysians should not merely tolerate differences in race, language or culture, but seek to truly know, understand and value one another.
"What distinguishes people is not race, wealth, rank or skin colour, but their character and virtue.
"In the Madani framework, we emphasise values. We do not want our children to grow up hating others because of their race.
"Such thinking reflects the characteristics of ignorance, where truth, justice and humanity are not prioritised.
"Even when we disagree, we should argue with wisdom and courtesy. Criticism is acceptable, but it must be expressed in a civil manner.
"We all have weaknesses. I accept criticism of my shortcomings, but we must constantly strive for reform, as it is a continuous process and not something that can be achieved overnight," he added.
