BUTTERWORTH: The Indian Muslim community has been urged to become a driving force for positive change by promoting unity, compassion and constructive engagement in building a stronger Malaysia.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysians must rekindle the spirit of change guided by the values outlined in the Quran, with determination, discipline and good character to move the country forward.
Addressing the Indian Muslim community, Anwar said there was no reason for Malaysians to believe that meaningful change could not be achieved if people worked together towards a common goal.
“Precisely meaning that we can succeed, insya-Allah, as Mukmin, as Malaysia, as a nation, if we rekindle this flame to effect change as ordained in the al-Quran al-Karim,” he said.
Anwar said Malaysians must adopt the values of conviction, clarity of ideas, discipline and akhlak (good character) in fulfilling their shared responsibility towards the country.
“I am here tonight with Indian Muslims, and certainly I feel deeply encouraged by the spirit I have seen, the determination and the vision you have for your people and your country.
“Brothers and sisters, we can do it. There is absolutely no reason why we cannot effect this change,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that achieving progress was not easy, especially amid a political climate often dominated by hostility, division and attempts to create issues for political gain.
“It is not easy. The narrative out there is contention, rancorous exchanges, hatred and enmity, creating issues out of nothing. It is a political ploy to just garner votes, irrespective of ethics and morality. A country cannot succeed (with this),” he said.
Anwar called on Malaysians to remain positive while continuing to hold the government accountable when necessary.
“Do something. Be positive. Criticise when necessary. Pressure the government when required, but not necessarily to breed hatred against one another,” he said.
He also stressed that a person’s race should not be an obstacle to national progress, saying cooperation among Malaysians was key to achieving greater success.
“If the Prime Minister is Malay, if the Chief Minister is Chinese, is that a problem? If we decide to work as a team to help one another, we can achieve this change,” he said.
Anwar said the government recognised that it did not have all the answers and acknowledged its shortcomings, including instances where issues may have been overlooked.
“We have our faults. We have sometimes ignored issues. But we must not lose sight of this great Malaysia and this great nation, and the great contributions of our forefathers,” he said.
