MELAKA Sept 21, 2026 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim warned that Malaysia cannot become a great nation if it remains trapped in racial prejudice and narrow differences, as he opened the 41st National Chinese Cultural Festival in Melaka.
Speaking at Encore Theatre in Klebang on Sunday night, Anwar said the country’s strength lies in accepting that Malays, Chinese, Indians, Ibans, Kadazans and all Malaysians form one large family sharing the same homeland and future.
“Malaysia will not become a great country if we continue to be trapped or dragged into racial prejudices and narrow differences,” he said in a post on X the following morning, recapping his remarks. He described this commitment as “Wa’ad Malaysia” — a national pledge to defend every citizen’s rights, respect each community’s language, culture and religion, and ensure no one feels marginalized in their own land.
Diversity is not a weakness, Anwar added. “It is Malaysia’s treasure and strength. We must nurture it while together building a nation that is clean from corruption, strong in its unity and bold to step forward as one nation.”
At the festival itself, Anwar also cautioned political parties against exploiting racial issues to gain support. He said such tactics typically appear when politics becomes contentious and parties feel desperate. “When politics becomes convoluted and contentious, parties withdraw support and resort to playing the racial card. When desperate, they use race again,” he told the audience.
Malaysia is approaching 70 years of independence, he noted, and racial issues should no longer dominate national conversation. His speech, he said, was an appeal for Malaysians to return to their collective strength. “Every voice counts for our survival. Have we not had enough of endless arguments and disputes?”
Anwar reiterated that a prime minister must protect all communities. “I will say it loud and clear. Malays, Chinese, Indians, Sabahan and Sarawakian, it is our nation,” he said, adding that he would not compromise on that principle. He also pledged zero tolerance for corruption, saying it would destroy the country if left unchecked.
The event was attended by Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, Melaka State Secretary Datuk Salhah Salleh, and leaders from the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Hua Zong). Cultural performances, including drums and traditional music, formed part of the evening programme.
About The Author
