PETALING JAYA: Malaysians must put an end to race-based politics and reject leaders who sow division, supporting instead those committed to unity, good governance and integrity, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Instead, Anwar said Malaysians should cultivate the resolve to fight corruption and racism while strengthening unity across all communities.
"The old politics of fear, of race, of hatred must end. We should not inculcate fear among the Malays against the Chinese, among the Chinese against the Indians, among the Indians against the Dayak.
"We should inculcate the strength and resolve to fight against corruption and racism. We must continue the fight," he said in his speech at the PKR Youth Generasi Muda Suara Baharu programme on Friday (July 24).
The PKR president also said the country's biggest challenge was not race, but ensuring good governance through leaders who were honest, capable and inclusive.
"I have always said that Malaysia's problem is not the Malays, not the Chinese or the Indians.
"The real challenge is achieving good governance. We want good leaders who are not corrupt, who are not racist and who do not sow hatred among our people.
"Choose Malays who are good and competent, Chinese who are good and capable of governing well and Indians who are good.
"Then let all these good people unite to save our beloved Malaysia," he said.
Anwar also called on Generation Z to lead the push for a more united Malaysia, saying young people had an important role in shaping the country's future.
"If we want to know whether this country is safe and on the right path, we look to our young people.
"When young people choose to come together, to discuss ideas and build strength together, that is a good sign.
"This country belongs to Malays, Chinese, Indians and the people of Sabah and Sarawak. Everyone has their rights, and we must defend those rights," he said.
