Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim calls for unity, justice and transparent governance at CFM Christmas reception, stressing rights, peace and inclusive education.
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said sustaining peace in a multiracial and multireligious society required consistent protection of rights, transparent governance and a firm rejection of racism and injustice.
“Peace must deliver dividends. To assure that we recognise the rights of every single citizen, that we deal with issues of racism in the country, and place importance on protecting the rights of every single man and woman in this country.”
Anwar was speaking at the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) Christmas Tea Reception held at the Council of Churches of Malaysia Ecumenical Centre in Section 11 here today.
ALSO READ: Anwar warns Malaysians against complacency in safeguarding national unity
Anwar said Malaysia’s ability to remain peaceful despite its diversity had earned the trust of regional and international leaders, even as divisions deepen globally.
“Despite its complexity – racial, religious and regional – this country remains one of the most peaceful in the world. That is why Malaysia continues to be trusted and looked upon with hope.”
Referring to the Durian Tunggal police shooting case, Anwar said such incidents tested the country’s moral conscience and must be addressed through due process.
“There must be transparent, open investigations. It does not matter whether the victim is Indian, or Malay, or Chinese, or Dayak.”
He acknowledged public concerns over enforcement standards, saying weaknesses must be recognised and corrected, while cautioning against prejudging ongoing investigations.
Beyond governance, Anwar spoke about what he described as a growing moral deficit globally, marked by tolerance for corruption, injustice and the marginalisation of vulnerable communities.
“This is a major challenge not only in Malaysia, but throughout the world,” he said, adding that religious leaders had a role in upholding moral values and speaking out against wrongdoing.
He also revisited the national language debate, framing his approach as inclusive rather than confrontational.
“My approach is not a zero-sum game. We start with the national agenda, Bahasa. We acknowledge the importance of English.
“We need our young to enhance the level of proficiency in the English language.
We must do so, not just as an additional curriculum subject, but with the aim to get our students to master the language.”
Anwar said space should also be provided for other language streams, including Chinese education and the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), as well as Tamil and Arabic education, as long as national cohesion was preserved.
“Number one, Bahasa. Number two, English. Number three, Chinese, including the UEC.
“But we will not succeed if Indians speak only about Tamil education, or if Chinese speak only about the UEC, while ignoring the importance of Bahasa and English,” he said.
The event brought together church leaders, diplomats and representatives from various Christian denominations for the federation’s annual Christmas reception.
Deputy Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof also attended the event to accompany the Prime Minister in officiating the event.
