Anwar: Malays reminded not to be arrogant, comfortable

PUTRAJAYA - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim have reminded the Malays not to be comfortable and arrogant.

He said the majority race should take lessons from Cambodia's administration that celebrates Muslims in the country.

"Cambodia is a Buddhist majority nation, but they continue to celebrate the small 10 per cent minority Muslims by holding an iftar programme and appointing an Islamic minister," he said in his speech at the Finance Ministry's Monthly Assembly, here, on Tuesday.

Anwar said such arrogant attitude and being comfortable is not encouraged in Prophet's teachings and guidelines as stated in the Madinah Agreement uniting all parties as long as they obey the rules, constitution and did not go against the majority.

"That's why while we are protecting Malay rights, we must ensure there is a principle of mutual respect, celebration and giving citizenship rights for all," he said.

He said the unity government leaders were heavily criticised as some parties felt other races were being given more attention.

"No," he said.

On March 28, Anwar made a visit to Phnom Penh to strengthen diplomatic ties established over 66 years in addition to discussing various bilateral, regional and international issues with Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen.

He had the opportunity to attend buka puasa event with 6,000 Muslims hosted by Hun Sen.

In another development, Anwar said Malaysia must be prepared with all infrastructure and energy resources to take full advantage of the influx of foreign investment.

He said foreign investment have been showing improvement.

"I believe everyone has enough experience in various fields to be able to identify the steps to be taken as the pace is increasing for investments.

"We can take the example of when Amazan Web Services (AWS) entered, if we had stood by without preparing machinery, experts, jobs, infrastructure before it arrives that would have been an issue," he said.