Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that he cannot tolerate those who sow seeds of hatred among races in the country. Describing this as the emergence of racism in Malaysia, Anwar cited examples of individuals who tried to mock the physical features of certain races, such as refusing to cooperate with those who have slanted eyes or dark skin.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar questioned whether Islam permits insults based on skin colour, citing Bilal bin Rabah, who had thick lips and dark skin, as being embraced by the family of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as part of their family. He made these remarks during the ‘Temu Anwar’ programme at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) today.
Also present at the event were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, and UPNM vice-chancellor Lt Gen Datuk Mardzuki Muhammad.
The prime minister highlighted that there are currently parties accusing him of being pro
-Chinese due to his good relations with DAP, despite this having no relevance. He emphasized the values of humanity and cultural identity, stating that Malays possess high culture, manners, and etiquette, and welcome others as long as their dignity and principles are not diminished.
Addressing the situation in Gaza, Palestine, Anwar noted that the ongoing attacks on the region are a result of extreme racial sentiment and hostility towards Islam and Arabs. He pointed out that this sentiment has led to Israel’s attacks on Gaza over the decades, involving land seizures, home demolitions, and acts of genocide.
Anwar questioned the stance of Americans who defend Israel, suggesting that the problem lies in humanity and human values, despite sufficient knowledge and information. He made it clear that Malaysia, though a small country, shares humanitarian values and opposes atrocities, not individuals or their races and religions.
Following the event, Anwar attended a ‘kenduri rakyat’ at the UPNM Mosque compound be
fore performing Friday prayers at the mosque.
