EVERYONE should focus on restoring racial harmony instead of harping on Malay supremacy, said Anwar Ibrahim.

Sidestepping questions on Entrepreneur Minister Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof and Perlis Mufti Azri Zainul Abidin’s recent comments, Anwar said it was enough that the position of Malays was enshrined in the federal constitution.

“Malaysia is for all Malaysians. The history of Malays should not be disputed. And as such, there are provisions for the Malay rulers, Bahasa Melayu, and Malay privileges,” said the PKR president 

“This is Malaysia and all its citizens have the same rights. There are exceptions, however, that recognise the positions of Malays and it’s enough. 

“It’s more important for us to restore harmony and love between one another in the country,” said Anwar during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

Last week, Redzuan said Malays had compromised too much with racists over the the Jawi issue while Asri said Malays needed to be the dominant race in Malaysia.

Anwar today declined to criticise Redzuan or Asri.

“There’s nothing stopping us from enhancing the quality of education and the level of proficiency in Bahasa Melayu or to disseminate Islam as the religion of the federation. (We) have provisions to protect Article 153 and this has never been sabotaged or opposed by the non-Malays. 

“The (welfare of the) country takes precedence over minor concerns. It’s our responsibility to protect racial harmony and not stir up racial sentiments.” – August 20, 2019.