KUALA LUMPUR: Concerns among Malays that the government’s policies are becoming more inclusive and tolerant of others, potentially sacrificing their interests, are clearly misplaced, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In fact, under the current government, the Prime Minister said that the position of Malay rulers, Malay and privileges of Islam, and Bahasa Melayu’s status as the official language of the country under the Federal Constitution will never be jeopardised.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the government and its coalition partners have emphasized constitutional guarantees, ensuring that the positions of the Malay rulers, Malay and Bumiputera privileges, and Islam as the religion of the Federation, along with the status of Bahasa Melayu as the official language, will remain intact. Highlighting the government’s commitment, Anwar mentioned the landmark decision to reserve 50 acres as a Malay reserve in the Bandar Malaysia project, a first since independence.

Anwar further expressed that
this policy stance reassures both Malays and non-Malays, including his Cabinet, that the government is committed to fairness and unity, viewing every Malaysian as part of one great family. He stated this during his speech at the Malay College Old Boys Association (MCOBA) annual dinner.

While supporting affirmative action, Anwar admitted that past implementations, like the Bumiputera policy, were tainted by nepotism, leading to the enrichment of select families and party leaders, instead of benefiting the broader Malay community. He advocates for a modernized, transparent, and inclusive version of affirmative action to ensure equitable distribution of benefits, particularly to urban poor and rural communities among the Malays.

Anwar stressed the importance of preserving elements of economic policy while embracing inclusivity and transparency to ensure these policies benefit the majority of Malays, including those in urban and rural areas. He also acknowledged the historical role of the Malay College as a pro
vider of elite education with colonial ties, yet maintaining its Malay identity. He noted that its alumni have significantly contributed to national development while staying true to Islamic, Malay, and national values.

This blend of tradition and modernity, Anwar argues, is essential as Malaysia navigates 21st-century challenges like digital transformation and energy transition.