Reject Extremism To Preserve Malaysia S Sovereignty Says Anwar

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The prime minister says Malaysians must also reject religious fanaticism and narrow-minded 'regionalism' to safeguard the nation's sovereignty.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (third from right) joining (from left) Sabah deputy chief minister Shahelmey Yahya, Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, Penang governor Ramli Ngah Talib and Sarawak deputy premier Douglas Uggah Embas in cutting a cake at the Malaysia Day celebrations, as communications minister Fahmi Fadzil applauds. (Bernama pic)BUTTERWORTH: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged Malaysians to reject racial extremism and religious fanaticism to preserve the nation’s sovereignty and independence
Officiating the 62nd Malaysia Day celebrations today at the Picca Convention Centre here, Anwar also said Malaysians must reject narrow-minded “regionalism” to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.
“It must be ensured that racial extremism, religious fanaticism, tribalism, and narrow regionalism are eradicated to guarantee the continuity of our sovereign and independent nation,” he said.
Anwar added that independence was not merely about replacing colonial administrators with locals while retaining their oppressive systems.
“We did not seek independence only to replace James Brooke with Malay, Dayak, Kadazan, Chinese or Indian leaders while maintaining the same system, allowing them to use power to plunder wealth with greed.”
He urged leaders at both federal and state levels to ensure good governance and economic inclusivity, drawing lessons from colonial exploitation.
The prime minister also said Malaysia must pursue growth through technology, green industries, and innovation, without losing sight of its cultural and ethical values.
“We do not want to advance in the same way as Western nations. We want economic progress, but with culture and moral values held high.” - FMT

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