Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stressed the government’s efforts to eradicate hardcore poverty will not focus on one race but all races in the country.

He said he is aware certain parties claimed he was only protecting the interests of one race, but he pointed out that the stance taken by the federal government is clear, which is to ensure the rights of all races are protected as enshrined under the Federal Constitution.

“Don’t ask me how much is the allocation for the Malays, Indians. I don’t care, there is an amount, if the names are certified, we will help.

“We will help all hardcore poor. We will help all Malaysians irrespective of their race,” he said during a get-together with the Indian community in Sungai Petani, Kedah last night.

Also present were Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister K Saraswathy and Sungai Petani MP Mohammed Taufiq Johari.

The prime minister, who had a packed schedule in Kedah yesterday, said he always opposed the narrow-minded racial sentiments of certain parties.

Anwar, who expressed his gratitude for the support given by the Indian community, also urged Indians in Kedah to give their backing to the federal government to ensure all planned developments would come to fruition.

He also hopes to see the Indian community, especially those living in estates, escape from the clutches of poverty.

“I want to remind Indians in Kedah, make good decisions, let there be good ties between the state and federal government, we use this existing power to help our people,” he said.

At the event, Anwar also presented awards to students around Sungai Petani who excelled in the SPM exam and received a memorandum from the Kedah Indian community regarding economic, social, and educational issues.

- Bernama

COMMENT | Do you think Malays not affected by religious extremism?

COMMENT | Do you think Malays not affected by religious extremism?

YOURSAY | Match your words with action, PM

YOURSAY | Match your words with action, PM

Anwar gives last warning to ‘extremists’ playing up 3R issues

Anwar gives last warning to ‘extremists’ playing up 3R issues

Sue Anwar over Felda debt issue, Amanah dares Muhyiddin

Sue Anwar over Felda debt issue, Amanah dares Muhyiddin