Mohamad Sabu urges Malays to reject racial politics, boost self-reliance, and compete fairly in business.
SHAH ALAM: Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu has urged Malays and Bumiputeras to abandon racial politics and focus instead on competing fairly with other ethnic groups in business and entrepreneurship.
He said an attitude fuelled by anger and racial sentiment would not uplift the community but instead weaken its competitiveness in the long run.
“I’ve been hearing about racial issues since my school days. People often speak harshly about other communities, but that doesn’t solve anything.
Those who hold a blue identity card are Malaysians — they are our fellow citizens too,” he said during his winding-up speech at the Amanah National Convention 2025 here today.
Mohamad said Amanah rejects racial politics, upholding morality and integrity as the party’s guiding principles.
He urged members to view competition with other communities as an opportunity to strengthen Bumiputera capabilities not as a cause for hostility.
“Compete with others in a healthy way. In the past, Malays opened barbershops, but within a year those businesses were taken over by others. Why did that happen? Because we lost our resilience and competitive spirit,” he said.
He also criticised the overreliance on government aid, warning that dependence has eroded self-reliance and accountability.
“There are government programmes meant to help the people but they’re poorly managed and end up failing.
“For example, fish farms given through grants and subsidies eventually become frog ponds after two years.
“There are many cases like this. We need to change our mindset and work ethic,” he added.
The Kota Raja MP voiced concern over the growing dominance of foreign workers in the agricultural and traditional rural sectors, warning that Malaysia risks losing its economic balance if locals continue to abandon these industries.
“Government statistics show that many foreign workers are now involved in farming vegetables, rice and so on.
“If we don’t seize these opportunities, others will dominate the sector.”
Mohamad assured that the government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remains committed to supporting farmers and fishermen through targeted subsidies and assistance.
“Many people don’t realise that when there’s a proposal to raise prices, the Prime Minister always asks first, will this make the people angry? Every decision is made with care to ensure the public isn’t burdened.”
Turning to internal party matters, Mohamad said differences of opinion were natural in any democratic organisation but must be handled with wisdom and decorum.
“In a convention like this, differing opinions are normal. It shows we are alive and thinking.
“But we must manage our differences properly so they lead to decisions that strengthen the party.”
He also reminded Amanah members holding government positions to stay active in party activities and not appear only when in office.
“Some are appointed to government roles but don’t attend Amanah events. I hope they’ll start using weekends to engage in party programmes.
“Even those who couldn’t attend today, I still pray for their well-being.”
Mohamad then shared a story of a loyal Amanah activist who had been repeatedly overlooked as an election candidate but remained steadfast.
“I met one activist who is always named as a potential candidate. He even had his outfit ready but a few days before nomination day, someone else was chosen. Still, he never left the party. That kind of loyalty is what sustains us.”
Mohamad stressed that as Amanah marks a decade since its founding, the party must continue to strengthen its foundation through education and tarbiyah (spiritual and moral training).
“Our leadership isn’t made up entirely of great philosophers or big names — most are hardworking party members. For those who criticise, continue to do so but make sure you’re also doing the work.”
