Johor bahru: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today called on leadership at the federal, state, and local levels to continue engaging fairly with all communities, saying such an approach was essential to preserving Malaysia's unity and long-term stability. He emphasized the importance of transparency and equity in governance during a hi-tea session with Johor community leaders.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted that while the MADANI Government had implemented reforms nationally, challenges persisted at the state and municipal levels in executing these commitments. He stressed that fairness in governance should not be misconstrued as approving every request but rather ensuring that all communities have the opportunity to be heard through a transparent and equitable process.

Anwar urged state governments and local councils to remain open to engagement, making decisions aligned with existing laws and established principles. He further noted that Malaysia's progress should not be measured solely by economic growth but also by its ability to maintain unity, compassion, and mutual respect among its diverse population.

Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, highlighted the expansion of economic growth to more states beyond traditional hubs like the Klang Valley and Penang. Investments are now extending to Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), as well as Sabah and Sarawak.

Additionally, Anwar stressed the importance of guiding Malaysia's embrace of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and the energy transition with strong moral values, cultural understanding, and religious principles. He expressed concern over the persistence of racial and religious narratives that challenge the country's social cohesion and urged religious leaders to promote faith, compassion, justice, and mutual understanding.

The Prime Minister underscored the leaders' responsibility to provide accurate information and reject narratives exploiting race and religion for political interests. He reiterated the desire for peace, quality education, healthcare, infrastructure, and the freedom to exercise personal beliefs as fundamental aspirations shared by most Malaysians.

Also present at the event was Deputy National Unity Minister R Yuneswaran.