PM questions PN's role in uplifting the Malays

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim raised the question, asking: “Does Perikatan Nasional care about the Malays?”

“No, they do not. Instead of addressing the real issues, they incite Malays to seek power. But, when they held power, they did nothing to uplift the Malays—they only focused on building their own wealth,” Anwar remarked sharply in his speech at the opening of the Selangor PKR Divisions, Women’s Wing and Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) Annual General Meetings, last night.

Bernama reported Anwar criticised the Perikatan Nasional (PN) opposition coalition for their constant criticisms of the current government’s efforts, particularly their failure to address the needs of the Malay community during their time in power.

Meanwhile, he announced that the area stretching from Dataran Merdeka to Carcosa Seri Negara will soon be designated as a Kuala Lumpur Heritage Site, marking a significant step in the preservation of the city's historical landmarks.

In a statement, Anwar revealed that Khazanah Nasional Berhad (Khazanah) and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) had presented a detailed briefing to the Cabinet during its meeting earlier today, outlining the areas that would be included in this heritage initiative.

“On Friday, the Cabinet requested Khazanah and City Hall (Kuala Lumpur) to provide an explanation regarding the area starting from Dataran Merdeka, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Keretapi Tanah Melayu, and continuing to Carcosa Seri Negara to be preserved as the Kuala Lumpur Heritage site,” Bernama reported Anwar saying.

“This marks a historic move, with the first-ever allocation of RM1 billion set aside to preserve this important heritage area of the capital,” he added.

Anwar, who also holds the position of Finance Minister, emphasised that the effort is a first of its kind and represents a serious commitment to safeguarding the cultural and historical significance of these sites.

He also shared that he had informed Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor about the importance of preserving the Sultan Abdul Samad Building as a symbol of the Malay Sultanate's legacy.

“I have also conveyed to the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, the necessity of maintaining the Sultan Abdul Samad Building as a Heritage landmark, representing the grandeur of the great Malay Sultanate,” he stated.

The event also saw the participation of several key leaders from PKR, including Deputy President Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, Vice-President Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Wanita PKR Chief Fadhlina Sidek, AMK Chief Adam Adli, and PKR Information Chief Fahmi Fadzil, who also serves as the Communications Minister.