BUKIT MERTAJAM: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) said he opposes any views that insult or sideline the role of any race in Malaysia.
He said that as an independent nation of almost 70 years, no responsible leader should make racially charged statements.
"I do not think any responsible leader should make such a statement because it demeans the presence of other races.
"While the majority of Malays are originally from Tanah Melayu, there are those with Indonesian ancestry, Chinese ancestry and even Korean ancestry.
"We cannot reject them as not being Malaysians.
"This is even more so for members of the Chinese and Indian communities who are loyal, accept the constitution and are good citizens," he said when speaking to the press after attending the opening ceremony of SMKA Sheikh Tahir Jalaluddin here on Saturday (July 25).
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Anwar was responding to a question by the press on Perikatan Nasional election director Datuk Seri Mohd Sanusi Md Nor's alleged comments that “Tanah Melayu” was the only homeland for Malays, unlike other ethnic groups.
Anwar said one should embrace them (all races) as the strength of Malaysia.
"I do not agree at all with any view that insults or sidelines the role of any race in our country," he said.
Sanusi, who is also Kedah Mentri Besar, has come under fire for remarks allegedly made at a ceramah while campaigning for the 16th Negri Sembilan state election.
It was confirmed that a police report has been filed against Sanusi and the case is being investigated under Section 505 of the Penal Code for making statements conducive to public mischief.
