Malaysia’s Global Strategy and the Need for Courage in the Face of Corruption, Racism, and Religious Extremism
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of rejecting corruption, racism, and religious extremism in a lecture at the London School of Economics (LSE) today. He made the call to action, urging the new generation of young Malaysians to have the courage to stand against these social ills.
A Multiracial and Peaceful Country
Malaysia, a multiracial and peaceful country, is facing challenges from those who seek to divide the nation through racial and religious extremism. Anwar pointed out that while the constitution guarantees the rights of Muslims, Malays, and Bumiputeras, certain groups exploit race-based policies to insult and incite hatred towards other communities.
No Compromise on Corruption and Greed
The Prime Minister’s government has a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and "leaders squandering wealth", regardless of whether they are from the coalition or not. "I will be tough on this. They can criticize me for my policies, but they cannot use (the) race and religious cards," he asserted.
Growth Potential and the Need for Change
Anwar highlighted that Malaysia had significant growth potential in the past but poor governance and greed had hindered progress. He emphasized the need for young people to understand the importance of rejecting corruption and religious bigotry, and to have the courage to say no to these social ills.
Tolerance in a Multiracial Country
The Prime Minister stressed that tolerance is essential in a multiracial country like Malaysia. He urged the youth to have the courage to reject intolerance and extremism, and to promote understanding and harmony among different communities.
Refugees and Migrant Workers
In response to a question on Malaysia’s non-ratification of the 1951 refugee convention and the 1967 refugee protocol, Anwar explained that the Malaysian government treats refugees and migrant workers humanely, despite not being a signatory to these conventions. He emphasized that Malaysia provides assistance to refugees, including those from Myanmar, and has a large number of illegal workers in the country.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s lecture at the London School of Economics emphasized the importance of rejecting corruption, racism, and religious extremism in Malaysia. He urged young Malaysians to have the courage to stand against these social ills and to promote tolerance and understanding among different communities.
FAQs
- What is Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s stance on corruption and greed?
The Prime Minister’s government has a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and "leaders squandering wealth", regardless of whether they are from the coalition or not. - Why is tolerance important in a multiracial country like Malaysia?
Tolerance is essential in a multiracial country like Malaysia, and the Prime Minister urges the youth to promote understanding and harmony among different communities. - How does Malaysia treat refugees and migrant workers?
The Malaysian government treats refugees and migrant workers humanely, despite not being a signatory to the 1951 refugee convention and the 1967 refugee protocol.