Enough of racial rhetorics, religious bigotry, Anwar tells Malaysians

PETALING JAYA - It is time to stop racial rhetorics, and religious bigotry in the country, said Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

This comes as the country faces further polarisation over race and religion over decades and powerfully, shaping its electoral politics. Anwar had previously said race-based politics in Malaysia only benefits ‘elites,’ and Malaysia has to mature as a country and cannot continue with its old and obsolete race-based policies.

The Port Dickson MP said he is committed to his reform agenda to unite Malaysia of all races, and it was time to bring Malaysians together.

"Enough of racial rhetorics and religious bigotry.

"Malaysians must come back as one force, and we have the capacity.

"I believe, God willing, we can and must do it," he told Sinar Daily Politically Frank segment.

He was asked about the challenges the government would face in years to come.

The biggest challenge, he said, is to revive the country's economy and bring Malaysians together again.

We are disgusted with the government

Anwar said the cost of food remains a concern as the present government was still in denial over the surge in food cost.

"You have a major economic crisis affecting the poor, and half of them are overseas. From Davos to London to Japan," he said.

By right, Anwar said the government needs to focus its attention on the issues affecting the rakyat. This comes as food prices in April rose year-on-year by 2.3 per cent affecting the pockets of the poor who have to spend more to fill up their bellies.

"That means monitoring food prices daily, not slip shot policies like no APs, no export of chicken," he said, referring to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's announcement of doing away with approved permits and to stop selling chickens to Singapore till the issue of severe chicken shortage is addressed.

Anwar said there must be a concerted plan of action. "Get all the machinery involved, including marketing and tax policies experts, whatever it takes to reduce the common man's burden."

He said this cannot be done in one meeting "Then everyone disappears." He was referring to a Cabinet meeting held earlier to address the issue of chicken shortage in the country.

"That is why we are disgusted with the situation," he added.