Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim vows crackdown on those who use religion and race to sow dissension

SHAH ALAM — Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Anwar Ibrahim has directed the authorities to arrest any quarters that use religion and race to incite against the government, even as he urged party members at the party’s special congress on Saturday (March 18) to counter the nativist narrative peddled by the Opposition with “facts and argument”.

The directive marks the first time the prime minister has indicated a willingness to use the law against his political rivals, something he had avoided likely for fear of being accused of wanting to stifle dissent.

“If you want to criticise, show examples that things should be done better, I can accept. If you want to give suggestions on how to improve the Islamic code or the well-being of the Malays, the poor like many in the ethnic Indian community or even Chinese businesses, go ahead,” Mr Anwar said as he delivered the winding-up speech.

“But if you keep using politics that sow dissension, especially using the race card, as I said before, I will not compromise.

“So believe me. I am instructing the authorities, including the home minister who is present, and the inspector-general of police to listen carefully. If you want to criticise go ahead, but if you use race to instigate and disrupt peace, I will make sure to have them arrested.”

On Saturday, a "Malay Proclamation" event that was set to feature former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad was cancelled for the second time.

Initially planned to be held at Hotel Impiana KLCC in Kuala Lumpur, the event was cancelled due to technical issues. 

The organisers, "Sekretariat Proklamasi Orang Melayu", then selected a second venue, only to be informed by the management on Friday night that the booking had been cancelled.

The event follows Dr Mahathir's recent claim that Malays no longer dominate the country's politics and economy.

Mr Anwar's coalition government has also been the subject of escalating attacks by leaders from the Perikatan Nasional (PN) bloc, which continues to harp on racial and religiously-tinged allegations that the Pakatan Harapan-led government promotes liberalism and wants to undermine Muslim rule.

Pundits have rated PN’s chances for the upcoming state elections highly, after a strong showing at the 15th general election last year when they garnered the second largest share of seats as a single bloc.

These attacks have put the prime minister in a defensive spot, a sign that he may be concerned about them.

PKR’s Selangor menteri besar Amiruddin Shari was previously quoted saying that the chief ministers and menteris besar of the six states that must hold elections this year have tentatively agreed to call these simultaneously in June.

The six states are: Selangor, Penang, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.

The coalitions in the government have so far closed ranks for the state elections, but have yet to decide whether they would form a united front to face PN.

On Saturday, PKR president Anwar delivered a fiery speech that his party has never compromised on its idealism and struggle for social equitability including the rights of poor Bumiputera, which it has used to guide many of the unity government policies four months since taking office.

Mr Anwar had vowed to break the monopoly on government contracts by politically-connected elite Malays. He told the party the people will continue to support PH if they continue to weed out corruption and help improve living standards of the low and middle class.

"Our next test will be the state elections but I pray that Allah will give us all the strength," he said to conclude the congress. MALAY MAIL/NEW STRAITS TIMES