Anwar warns against racial politics in Johor, Negeri Sembilan

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has cautioned Malaysians against falling prey to divisive politics fueled by racial hatred and sentiment. Speaking at a grant ceremony for AIMST University, he stressed that the real struggle in democracy lies not in political victories or losses, but in upholding justice and equality.

Anwar invoked the words of Indian scholar B.R. Ambedkar, who highlighted justice and equality as the primary demands of a democratic society. The Prime Minister criticized the current political discourse, which he said often focuses on power struggles, insults, and the manipulation of racial sentiments, whether playing on majority or minority status.

"Ambedkar advised that what should be demanded is justice and equality, looking not just with the eyes, but with the eyes of the heart, or in his terms, the dictates of the heart," Anwar stated. He underscored that this message also promotes humanitarian values essential for national life and administration, urging against demeaning individuals based on skin color, religious beliefs, or social standing.

He further asserted that political narratives exploiting race and hatred contradict democratic principles and mature governance. Anwar concluded that healthy politics can only flourish when society prioritizes humanistic values such as empathy, respect, and compassion in its considerations, rather than succumbing to hatred or prejudice.