Fighting Hate with Love and Unity: A Call to Action for a Better Malaysia
A Nation in Need of Change
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today criticised leaders who exploit racial and religious sentiments to draw public attention, describing them as shallow and bereft of ideas.
The Problem with Exploiting Racial and Religious Sentiments
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said that such individuals reflected a narrow mindset, driven by intentions to sow hatred among Malaysia’s multiracial society. "Those who exploit religion and race are not limited to politicians but include businesspeople and academics," he said. "Their destructive rhetoric stems not from a lack of knowledge or ideas but from a bankruptcy of moral principles and noble values," he added during the launch of the Putrajaya Festival of Ideas (Putrajaya FOI) here today.
The Responsibility of Young People
Anwar also emphasised the responsibility of young people to critically seek clarity, verify facts, listen to diverse perspectives, and find the best solutions. "Sometimes, political speeches in this country lack substance, offering no policy discussion or analysis but are filled with hatred," he said, lamenting the loss of compassion and empathy in society.
The Urgent Need for Love and Unity
Speaking passionately, the Prime Minister stressed that such shortcomings must be addressed with love, as the country should not harbour weak, corrupt, or dishonest individuals. "We call for love and unity—not for exploiting weaknesses, fabricating untruths, or spreading slander. Therefore, I urge all of you to love and safeguard this nation," Anwar said.
The Role of Islam in Promoting Unity
He reiterated that fostering racial sentiments reflected malicious intentions to instil hatred within Malaysia’s multiracial communities. "In Islam, ‘dakwah’ (preaching) means correcting and improving with compassion," he said. "Beloved youths, we must engage in meaningful discourse to advance this nation. With enlightenment and ‘lazatul ma’rifah’ (delight of knowledge), we can bring prosperity to the country," he added.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Prime Minister Anwar’s call to action is clear: we must fight hate with love and unity, and promote a culture of compassion, empathy, and understanding. It is up to us as individuals to take responsibility for our actions and to promote a more harmonious and just society.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main issue with exploiting racial and religious sentiments?
A: Exploiting racial and religious sentiments is a shallow and bereft of ideas, driven by intentions to sow hatred among society.
Q: Who is responsible for promoting unity and love?
A: Young people have a significant role to play in promoting unity and love, by critically seeking clarity, verifying facts, listening to diverse perspectives, and finding the best solutions.
Q: What is the role of Islam in promoting unity?
A: Islam teaches that "dakwah" (preaching) means correcting and improving with compassion, and encourages a culture of love, compassion, and understanding.