Anwar says no to Azmin’s race-based economic agenda

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 25 Mar 2019 4:15PM · 13 Comments

Port Dickson MP Anwar Ibrahim says the government's economic agenda has to be needs-based and not race-based in what is seen as a swipe against Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali's call for the government to push ahead with its Bumiputera agenda to increase Malay support. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Seth Akmal, March 25, 2019.

PUTRAJAYA’S economic agenda must be needs-based and not race-based, said PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, adding that the Pakatan Harapan government must shed racial politics and fear-mongering.

This reminder from the Port Dickson member of Parliament came at a time when his party’s deputy and Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali has been talking about the need for the government to push ahead with its Bumiputera agenda to garner the support of the Malays.

“It is politically convenient to rile people up,” said Anwar.

“But I will not compromise on this issue – our economic agenda must be needs-based, not race-based.

“We must shed racial politics and fear-mongering in order for Malaysia to progress,” he tweeted today.

In his posting he also added a graphics on the subject, based on what he spoke in Dewan Rakyat last week.

Anwar said the government must move away from its Malay agenda to people’s agenda in order to eradicate poverty across the board in the country.

He said if poverty is eradicated among the majority of Malaysians, it will also automatically help the Malays.

While Anwar did not mention anyone in his posting, it did appear he was directing his message to Azmin.

Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali, who is also PKR deputy president, is seen as a rival to Anwar Ibrahim within PKR. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, March 25, 2019.

Azmin had previously said it was time for the government to step up efforts to change and be the party of choice for Malay voters, as well as to continue the Bumiputera agenda.

“We must be brave and not hesitate in fulfilling our promises, especially on the Malay and Bumiputera agenda which are integral parts of the national agenda. We must do so without feeling apologetic and fearful of criticism of others,” Azmin had said.

There is a simmering undercurrent between the duo, with PKR seemingly divided between the supporters of its two main leaders.

The fallout became worse when Anwar-backed Rafizi Ramli lost to Azmin in the race to become the deputy president.

In another posting, Anwar shared his thoughts on the fallout in the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom, saying that the perils of political infighting there appeared to resonate with what is transpiring in PKR and Pakatan Harapan.

“Like many political parties, the Tories would be in a stronger position if some members focused on their principles and responsibilities to the country.

“Political infighting for personal gain has been the downfall of many a government,” he tweeted.

And while Anwar did not direct his remarks to anyone, it did appear that it was aimed at Azmin who had tweeted yesterday that the country does not need cry babies, believed to be aimed at Nurul Izzah’s interview with Singapore’s Straits Times.

In the interview, she had described Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad as a former dictator who wreaked much damage on her family and the nation. – March 25, 2019.

Sign up or sign in here to comment.

Comments

  • Anwar is a beacon of hope for a new malaysia based on unity of its people irrespective of race and religion. He will be able to bring stability to malaysia.

    Posted 5 years ago by Gabriel Chelliah · Reply

  • Anwar has hit the right note for a more sustainable and progressive Malaysia Baru. PKR needs inclusiveness and to appeal to all Malaysians especially the livelihood of our hardcore poor. It is easy to talk about "agama dan bangsa kita" and get eveyone riled up with the ketuanan and social contract narrative but true inclusiveness and racial harmony can only be achieved when the abject poor, regardless of race or religion.

    Posted 5 years ago by Roger 5201 · Reply

  • Azmin committed political suicide with his comments after the Semenyih by-election. That leaves Anwar as the only viable contender to become the next PM, for better or for worse.

    Posted 5 years ago by Arul Inthirarajah · Reply

    • Totally agree. Azmin has ruled himself out ad future PH government leader.

      Posted 5 years ago by Gabriel Chelliah · Reply

  • Well said

    Posted 5 years ago by Watchdog Watchdog · Reply

  • Sokong Anwar!

    Posted 5 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • So what is Lim Kit Siang and son going to say tomorrow?

    Your guess !

    Posted 5 years ago by MCA Headquarters · Reply

  • Whether it is a chrade or a sincere act only Anwar himself knows that. Anyay it is the right rsponse and a welcome change from his antics. Lets see more of him to make judgement.!!!!

    Posted 5 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

    • True. But I guess I don't require Anwar to be sincere if he actually carries this out.

      Posted 5 years ago by Léon Moch · Reply

  • Needs based policies will unite the country through Malaysian common goals and dreams that cut above race and politics. No one will be marginalised unless u choose to be left behind, no one will be a crony until u deservingly demonstrate your capability, no one will choose to be given a previledge unless u don't mind been classified as under previledge, no one will bother much on race and religion bcos we all pursuing a common goal of success and glory both personally and for our beloved country, no one will be called poor as we will have zero hard core poverty. Pls continue from here......

    Posted 5 years ago by James Wong · Reply

  • Lets see if Tun lets go the PM post after the 2nd year.

    Posted 5 years ago by Sabah One · Reply

  • Truly Keadilan!

    Posted 5 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • What on earth is wrong with Azmin? He sounds horrifyingly like an UMNO man.

    Posted 5 years ago by Sunita petrus · Reply