KUALA LUMPUR, May 23, 2026 — Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on the peace-loving majority of Malaysians across all ethnic and religious groups to actively speak up against divisive narratives of hatred and slander allegedly spread by a vocal minority.
Speaking at the National Wesak Day Conference today, Anwar emphasised that unity remains the cornerstone of Malaysia’s progress and warned against allowing fear-mongering to undermine the nation’s harmony.
“The majority of Malaysians must have the principles (to reject hate politics). Only a minority portion of people are causing the fear-mongering,” he said in his keynote address at Menara Ken in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI).
Anwar described the current challenge as a “tyranny of the noisy minority” — individuals he characterised as angry and intent on stirring emotions, sowing hatred, spreading slander, and instilling fear among communities. He contrasted this with Malaysia’s founding spirit of harmony in diversity, which has enabled significant achievements in economic, social, and cultural spheres.
He urged Malaysians from all backgrounds — Malays, Chinese, Indians, Ibans, Kadazans, and others — to lead with conscience, compassion, and mutual respect, aligning with the government’s MADANI vision of inclusive development.
“Unity is not weakness. Unity is intelligence. Unity is economic strength. Unity is national security,” Anwar stressed, adding that a divided nation cannot innovate or prosper.
The Prime Minister acknowledged ongoing efforts by the unity government to strengthen the economy, education, and technology, while stressing that true national advancement requires active rejection of politics of hate and division.
The National Wesak Conference served as a platform to reinforce interfaith understanding and national solidarity, coinciding with Wesak Day celebrations that highlight Buddhist values of peace, compassion, and wisdom.
This latest call comes amid broader concerns over rising online and offline rhetoric that seeks to polarise Malaysian society along ethnic and religious lines. Anwar reiterated that no nation can thrive if hatred between communities is allowed to take root.
The full speech has drawn positive reactions from various quarters, with many viewing it as a timely reminder for Malaysians to uphold the country’s multi-ethnic fabric.
About The Author
