PM warns M’sians against efforts to sow racial discord
IPOH: Malaysia’s independence was built on the collective strength and unity of its diverse communities, and no one should be allowed to undermine that foundation by sowing racial discord, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said national unity must be driven by a shared commitment to improving the people’s quality of life rather than serving narrow or self-interested agendas.
Malaysia’s strength, he said, lies in the people’s ability to respect the differences and diversity among the country’s various ethnic groups.
Anwar said while the spirit of Malay nationalism and their role were essential in securing independence, the contributions of the Chinese, Indians, Dayaks, Kadazans and other communities were equally indispensable.
“Do not allow anyone to manipulate and divide us because this country gained independence through the collective strength of all Malaysians,” he said at the launch of the National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2026 celebrations.
Anwar said the national motto “Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu” (Unity Strengthens Quality) introduced by the country’s first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj remains as relevant today as it was at independence.
The Prime Minister also said Malaysians should stop debating racial differences after nearly seven decades of independence in Peninsular Malaysia and more than six decades since Sabah and Sarawak joined the federation.
Anwar said the country’s founding fathers had already recognised the country’s multiracial character when independence was achieved, and the contributions of every community could never be denied.
He added that unity is not an end in itself but a means to improve the people’s quality of life and build a stronger nation.
Under the Malaysia Madani framework, Anwar said the government is focused on developing a nation that excelled in advanced industries such as semicon-ductors, quantum computing and artificial intelligence.
He said Perak, once synonymous with the tin industry, is now emerging as a key automotive manufacturing hub with the potential to become a regional centre for new and green technologies.
“This is what nation-building means. It is about building the Malaysia we love.”
At the event, Anwar handed over a six-by-12-foot Jalur Gemilang to a nine-member Royal Malaysian Navy team for the flag-raising ceremony as a symbolic launch of the campaign.
