MELAKA, Aug 17 2026 — Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has called for Malaysian politics to move away from identity-based approaches and focus instead on performance and results for the people.
Speaking at the closing of the KEADILAN National Congress in Melaka on Sunday, Saifuddin said the nation’s politics must prioritise expanding economic opportunities rather than highlighting differences between communities.
“Politik negara mesti beralih daripada politik identiti kepada politik prestasi,” he said in his speech.
He emphasised that the government’s role is not to enlarge racial or identity divides but to grow the country’s economic pie so more Malaysians can benefit. The economy must continue to expand, opportunities must be broadened, and government assistance must reach those who truly need it — on a needs basis, not solely according to race.
Saifuddin highlighted that Malaysia’s economy is showing positive momentum under the MADANI administration and has the potential to become a high-income nation. He stressed that as national wealth increases, the benefits must be returned to the people, including through the targeted subsidy approach for RON95 fuel, which prioritises Malaysian citizens.
Addressing concerns over ethnic progress, he stated that the Malay community will not become weak or threatened simply because other communities also advance. “Kemajuan satu kaum tidak perlu datang dengan mengorbankan kaum yang lain,” he said.
Saifuddin argued that Malaysians have long been constrained by politics that instils fear through racial and identity differences. He said the time has come for politics to be judged by performance — what is delivered, what problems are solved, and what tangible outcomes reach the people.
“Alih politik identiti kepada politik prestasi. Besarkan talam rezeki negara dan pastikan manfaatnya dapat dinikmati bersama. Itulah jalan ke hadapan untuk Malaysia,” he concluded.
The speech was delivered during the closing session of the congress and shared by Saifuddin on his official X account.
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