PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged the community not to politicise government assistance based on racial backgrounds.
He stressed that the assistance provided by the government is measured based on current needs.
"Do not bring up racial polemics when it comes to aid. We help everyone eligible, regardless of race. If someone is in hardcore poverty, they deserve government assistance.
"If we allow racial politics to continue unchecked, we will suffer as a nation. Don't be swayed by racial narratives that only weaken us,” he said.
He said this when speaking at the Deepavali Madani 2025 Open House at KL Sentral, today.
The Prime Minister said that the spirit of unity is the basis for the harmony of a plural society and that aspect cannot be taken lightly.
Acknowledging that there are differences between races and religions, he nevertheless asked all parties to unite and do whatever is necessary to preserve and defend unity.
Anwar also highlighted the government's inclusive policies, pointing out that the Madani administration has spent and allocated far more for the rakyat than previous governments, including those led by Pas and Bersatu under Perikatan Nasional.
He said the opposition resorts to bringing up race when they are unable to offer objective criticism of the government's budget.
Citing housing and insurance schemes for the Indian community, Anwar said Indian Malaysians benefitted from RM1.2 billion in loans in 2024, far exceeding the RM100 million Mitra allocation that has dominated public narratives.
He added that allocations would increase in 2025, with RM1.6 billion earmarked for housing loans and RM600 million for insurance schemes, particularly to support youth.
"It is not easy to steer a multi-racial country. Talk a little more (about the Bumiputera group) and the Chinese will say something ... mention additional projects for the Indian community, while the Malays say they have been marginalized.
"This narrative (is played out) from the village to the city and Parliament, all are raised. For this reason, the people need to be smarter, more intelligent and exposed to information.
"This is called enlightenment. Democracy is meaningless if there is no effort to provide information because the attraction of race is stronger than (giving) reasons (for every action taken by the government), " Anwar who is also the Tambun Member of Parliament, added. – October 18, 2025
Arriving at 11.30am, the Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by Minister of Digital Gobind Singh Deo, along with several Cabinet members, as vibrant cultural performances and traditional Indian cuisine brought festive cheer to the heart of the city.
Organised by the Ministry of Digital in collaboration with the Ministry of National Unity, the event was open to the public and served as a platform to showcase Malaysia’s multicultural fabric in the run-up to Deepavali, which falls on 20 October.
“The Deepavali MADANI Open House is more than just a celebration. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to unity, compassion, and respect for all communities,” said Gobind Singh in a brief remark during the festivities.
The gathering saw early crowds forming from as early as 9.30am, many dressed in traditional attire, reflecting the spirit of togetherness and cultural appreciation that the event sought to embody.
Visitors were treated to an array of classic Indian delicacies and cultural performances, adding colour to a celebration that aimed to bridge communities across racial and religious lines.
Also in attendance were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Minister of Transport Anthony Loke, and Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
This year’s open house was one of several festive events hosted under the MADANI administration, aimed at reinforcing social harmony and inclusive governance. - October 18, 2025
