Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated he will not alter national policies toward racial dominance for political survival, emphasizing equal justice for all citizens during the national Deepavali celebration in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
Anwar rejected claims from certain quarters that national policies must align with Malay dominance to maintain political relevance, Free Malaysia Today reported. Speaking at the 2026 National Deepavali Celebration at Little India in Brickfields, he addressed pressure urging him to adjust governance frameworks.
“People say, Anwar, you must embrace policies rooted in Malay interests and dominance. Otherwise, you will not survive,” Anwar said. “My response is that I want to remain a Malaysian leader who loves this country.”
The Prime Minister said that the position of the Malay language, Islam, and the special rights of the Malays and Bumiputeras enshrined in the Federal Constitution must not be questioned. Newswav noted his assertion that those constitutional elements are not matters to be disputed, even as he pledged fairness across racial lines.
“I want to defend our country’s principles and our Constitution,” Anwar said, as reported by The Vibes. “No one should question the position of the Malay language, Islam and the special position of the Malays. But we must remember that, for this country to remain safe, we must guarantee justice, success and happiness for all communities and every citizen in our country.”
Anwar argued that the nation’s security and stability depend on ensuring justice, prosperity, and happiness for all Malaysians regardless of race. Wealth must be channeled toward improving well-being because poverty affects every community, he noted.
The MADANI Government distributes welfare assistance based on actual needs through initiatives like Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah, Newswav reported. The administration also allocated a RM200 aid payment for every school-going child in January regardless of race or district to ease financial burdens ahead of the academic year.
Anwar claimed that certain quarters exploit racial issues to divert attention from corruption and fraud. He asserted that individuals speaking loudest about community survival often belong to the country’s wealthiest demographic and fight primarily to enrich themselves and their families.
Organized by the National Unity Ministry in collaboration with the Malaysia Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the event carried the theme “Cahaya Deepavali, Semarak Perpaduan.” Cabinet ministers attending included Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, Hannah Yeoh, and Gobind Singh Deo, according to The Vibes and Newswav coverage.
The celebration featured traditional Indian cultural performances, classical music, martial arts demonstrations like Silambam, Kalaripayattu, and Karra Samu, fashion shows, and Rumah KAMI exhibition booths showcasing Malay, Chinese, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, Gujarati, and Malayalee heritage.
Anwar acknowledged that several issues affecting the Indian community still require attention, including education, Tamil schools, Hindu temples, traders, and poverty in urban areas and estates.
“Despite our differences in skin colour, religion, culture, language and ethnicity, we share a common humanity,” Anwar said. “We respect and value one another. That is how Malaysia must remain united and prosper as a nation.”
