Don T Politicise Race Based Aid Anwar Says At Deepavali Celebration

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The government will not tolerate any party attempting to politicise government aid distribution based on race, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
He said all government policies and allocations are based on the needs of the people, regardless of ethnic background, religion, or region.
"Do not bring up racial polemics when it comes to aid. We help everyone eligible, regardless of race. If someone is in hardcore poverty, they deserve government assistance.
"If we allow racial politics to continue unchecked, we will suffer as a nation. Don't be swayed by racial narratives that only weaken us.
"We must unite to build a just and prosperous Malaysia,” he said at the Madani Deepavali Open House 2025 in Brickfields today.
Speaking before more than 2,000 attendees of various races, Anwar said manipulating racial issues in the distribution of aid would only disrupt national harmony and unity.
He then alluded to remarks by critics such as PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, who had questioned the amount of federal funds allocated to Penang, a non-Malay majority state, in Parliament recently.
“When a project in Penang is announced, the government is immediately accused of favouritism.
"But other states also receive large allocations. For example, the airports in Kota Bharu and Tawau are also being expanded. Yet, accusations still come,” he said.
PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan ManTackling poverty
Elaborating, Anwar said the government has also allocated significant funds to assist all hardcore poor groups nationwide, regardless of race, including in Malay-majority areas like Kelantan and Indian-majority areas like Sentul and Klang.
“We have spent billions to tackle poverty. In Kelantan, many Malays are poor; in Sentul and Klang, many Indians are poor.
"Both are assisted because they are poor, not because they are Malay or Indian,” he said.
Anwar, in his speech, also reiterated previous statements by listing government aid specifically for the Indian community.
“For next year,” he said, “the allocation for the Indian community’s home loan guarantee scheme will be increased to RM1.6 billion.
"This is a major step, but it hasn’t been highlighted in the general narrative,” he added. - Mkini

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