BUKIT MERTAJAM: No responsible leader should make racially charged statements as they demean the presence of other communities, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as he criticised remarks attributed to Perikatan Nasional election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
Anwar said he rejects any remarks that insult or marginalise any community in Malaysia.
“While the majority of Malays are originally from Tanah Melayu, there are those with Indonesian ancestry, Chinese ancestry and even Korean ancestry.
“This is even more so for members of the Chinese and Indian communities who are loyal, accept our Constitution and are good citizens.
“I do not agree at all with any view that insults or sidelines the role of any race in our country.
“We should embrace them as the strength of Malaysia,” he said after opening SMKA Sheikh Tahir Jalaluddin here yesterday.
Anwar was responding to remarks allegedly made by Muhammad Sanusi during a ceramah for the Negri Sembilan election, where the latter had reportedly said Tanah Melayu is the only homeland for Malays, unlike other ethnic groups.
A police report has since been lodged against the Kedah Mentri Besar, with the case being investigated under Section 505 of the Penal Code for making statements conducive to public mischief.
Earlier, at the National Training Week 2026 programme at Universiti Teknologi Mara’s Permatang Pauh campus, Anwar urged Malaysians, especially the younger generation, to reject divisive ideologies.
“There is no need to plant hate as we can complement one another. We do not preach hatred; we preach affection.
“Make sure no one is left behind and improve what needs to be enhanced. We must see what we can do for all Malaysians,” he said, adding that the government welcomes criticism and suggestions from young people to improve its policies.
Meanwhile, in Kuala Pilah, Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi took a swipe at Muhammad Sanusi, suggesting that he should focus on governing Kedah instead of campaigning in Negri Sembilan.
The Deputy Prime Minister said if Muhammad Sanusi’s intention was to unite Muslims, there was no need to raise issues involving race, religion, culture or the backgrounds of other communities.
“I believe in the diversity of Malaysians. If they truly want to build friendships, then do it the proper way instead of bringing up other issues,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid also urged all political parties to campaign with decorum by focusing on policies rather than personal attacks.
MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran also rebuked Muhammad Sanusi, saying such divisive remarks went against Barisan’s spirit of unity.
“This is why MIC will not stay quiet (about the electoral cooperation). This proves that Barisan needs to stand on its own without resorting to cooperation with any other coalition.
“We are not from India or China. We are Malaysians. Our loyalty is only to the country and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” Vigneswaran reportedly said.
Perikatan component party Malaysian Indian People’s Party also expressed disagreement, with its president P. Punithan saying Malaysian Indians have never viewed India as their homeland.
Punithan reportedly said he had only regarded India as a travel destination and a country where he fulfils his pilgrimage obligations.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Sanusi reportedly said his remarks on Tanah Melayu being the sole homeland for Malays had been twisted for political gain.
He said he would take legal action, including filing lawsuits against any individual or party that deliberately manipulated his remarks.
