Loke backs Anwar as PM, says he represents all Malaysians regardless of race or religion

MELAKA TENGAH - DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has defended his support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, saying he believes Anwar represents all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion.

He said the decision to support Anwar was rooted in the belief that Malaysia's multiracial and multireligious society could only prosper through cooperation, mutual respect and inclusivity.

Loke said this was also why he rejected what he described as the extremism of Perikatan Nasional (PN), arguing that Anwar's administration offered a more inclusive approach to governing the country.

"Why do we reject the extremist approach of Perikatan Nasional? Why do we support Anwar Ibrahim? Because we believe Malaysia is a good country, a country with various races and religions.

"When we cooperate and strengthen our relationships, this country will become great. Anwar Ibrahim leads an administration that ensures this diversity is celebrated in our country," he said.

He stressed that Anwar was not merely the Prime Minister for Muslims or non-Muslims, but a leader who represented the interests of all Malaysians.

"Anwar Ibrahim is someone who believes in diversity in our country. He represents all Malaysians, whether Muslims or non-Muslims. He is the Prime Minister for all Malaysians. This is what we want to defend," he said.

Acknowledging that the government was not without shortcomings, Loke said there were policies that could be improved, reforms that needed to be accelerated and areas where the administration could perform better.

However, he maintained that the difference between Anwar's leadership and its political opponents was the Prime Minister's commitment to upholding Malaysia's diversity.

"We have weaknesses, that is true. Some things may not be satisfactory, and our policies may not yet be perfect. There is work we could do better and reforms that need to be implemented faster.

"But we are willing to correct those weaknesses," he said.

Loke also urged Malay voters not to view DAP as an enemy of the Malay community or Islam, saying political differences should not be allowed to undermine the country's multiracial harmony.

He called on voters to reject racial and religious sentiments in favour of mature, professional politics that prioritised fighting corruption.

Loke was speaking at the DAP Grand Finale Ceramah Harapan at the DAP Melaka office in Taman Pandan Mawar, Melaka, ahead of polling day for the 16th Melaka state election.