PARTI Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, stressed that political advocacy centred on the Malay community must never become an excuse to marginalise Chinese, Indian, Orang Asli or other minority communities in nation building.
He said mature politics must embrace all communities as part of the Malaysian nation, rather than treating certain groups as outsiders.
"This Malay-centred politics cannot marginalise our Chinese, Indian, Orang Asli and minority friends," he said in his presidential policy address at the PKR National Congress in Ayer Keroh, Melaka today.
Anwar said the struggle to build a fairer Malaysia, which emerged from the Reformasi movement, had always been rooted in rejecting injustice and racial and religious prejudice, while bringing together the collective strength of society.
"We talk about democracy, oppose injustice and reject racial and religious prejudice. We must embrace the strength of the entire society," he said.
He acknowledged that putting these principles into practice was not easy, as it required a shift in mindset and the courage to reject politics driven by divisive sentiments.
Anwar said the younger generation and new generation of PKR members must understand the spirit behind the reform movement and resist the temptation to pursue simplistic solutions in seeking change.
He said the Reformasi struggle, which began in 1998, had never promised overnight transformation, but instead demanded patience, perseverance and sustained effort.
"Not too idealistic, not too ‘ambitious’. The reality is that change is gradual. It is not about achieving change tomorrow, nor about reform taking place immediately upon coming to power," he said.
Drawing on the example of Caliph Umar Abdul Aziz, whom he described as a figure associated with just governance, Anwar said profound change could not be achieved within a matter of days.
He said building a fair system required time, determination and perseverance, including efforts to create a better society.
"Islam and justice cannot be built in three days," he said.
Anwar said PKR’s long political struggle had also demonstrated that political change inevitably involved periods of progress and setbacks, and that not every issue could be resolved within a single term.
Such experiences, he said, should not weaken the party’s resolve but instead serve as lessons for a new generation of members to uphold the vision of a democratic, fair and inclusive Malaysia.
He stressed that PKR must remain a political vehicle capable of embracing people from all communities, regardless of race, religion or background.
"Malaysia’s future cannot be built by marginalising any group. Instead, it requires everyone to be willing to move forward together in building a fairer and more united nation," Anwar said. - August 15, 2026
