Say no to graft and bigotry, Anwar urges young Malaysians

LONDON: The new generation of young Malaysians must have the courage to reject corruption, racism and religious extremism, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today.

In making the call, Anwar said that while Malaysia is a multiracial and peaceful country, there are those who are attempting to divide the nation through racial and religious extremism.

Anwering questions after delivering a lecture at the London School of Economics, the prime minister said that his government’s Madani concept did not allow compromise on issues such as corruption and “leaders squandering wealth” regardless of whether they are from the coalition or not.

Anwar pointed out that while the constitution guarantees the rights of Muslims, Malays and Bumiputeras, certain groups sought to exploit race-based policies to insult and incite hatred towards those of other communities.

“I will be tough on this. They can criticise me for my policies, but they cannot use (the) race and religious cards,” he asserted.

Anwar, who is on a five-day working visit to Britain, said Malaysia had significant growth potential in the past but poor governance and greed had hindered progress.

“I need young people to understand this. Have the courage to say no to corruption and religious bigotry,” he said, adding that tolerance is essential in a multiracial country like Malaysia.

The lecture was attended by about 500 students and lecturers, including Malaysians studying at LSE.

Responding to a question on why Malaysia has not yet ratified the 1951 refugee convention and a 1967 refugee protocol, Anwar said the Malaysian government treats refugees well despite not being a signatory.

“We have several million illegal workers and refugees in Malaysia, including about 200,000 from Myanmar. Whether refugees or illegal workers, our stance is that they must be treated humanely,” he added.