PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reassured the Malay community that the government’s inclusive policies would not undermine their rights.
He emphasised that the position of the Malay Rulers, Islam, and Bahasa Melayu as the national language, as guaranteed by the Constitution, would remain intact.
“The government and I, together with our great coalition partners, have clearly stated that the Constitution guarantees the position of the Malay Rulers, the rights and privileges of the Malays, Islam as the religion of the Federation, and Bahasa Melayu as the national language will not be compromised.
“Moreover, under this administration, when taking over the Bandar Malaysia project from foreign entities, we clearly stated that there would be a minimum portion of 50 acres of land preserved as a Malay reserve, the first time since the country gained independence.
“This reassures me that not only the Malays but also the non-Malays, including my Cabinet, understand that the government’s stance and policy are clear. We are here to be fair and consider every Malaysian citizen as a member of one great family,” he said at the annual dinner of the Malay College Old Boys Association (MCOBA).
Anwar also acknowledged the flaws of previous affirmative action policies but expressed support for a modern, transparent approach aimed at ensuring fair distribution of benefits to all Malays, particularly the disadvantaged in urban and rural areas.
He also highlighted the importance of balancing tradition and modernity in Malaysia’s development. —Dec 1, 2024
Main image: Anwar Ibrahim (Facebook)
