National Day: PM warns action against groups sowing disharmony

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has warned that stern action will be taken against any party out to stoke racial tension and spark unrest.

In his National Day 2024 address, Anwar said the government will consider amending related laws if existing provisions are insufficient.

“I take this opportunity to issue a warning. The country is on the right path and trajectory to further success.

“If any small groups are stoking racial strife, fuelling violence, hate and animosity, I don’t care about being liked by the foreign media or foreign countries. Our task is to save our beloved Malaysia,” he said to some 7,000 gathered at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre.

“We will use all of our power and strength. If insufficient, we will amend (laws), add on legal provisions, take action so that the country remains safe and can rise as a powerful nation in the region and the world,” stressed Anwar.

Anwar, who had in the past been a leading voice for freedom of expression and an opponent of oppressive legislation, recently came under heavy criticism for failing to fulfil Pakatan Harapan’s election promise to abolish the Sedition Act 1948.

The Act is among legislations used to clamp down on alleged attempts at stoking the flames of racial and religious strife.

Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka”, Anwar reminded Malaysians of the nation’s struggle for independence and how success was achieved through collective strength and unity.

“I am certain that with an independent soul and with the revived spirit of the people, it is not wrong for each race to defend their own; it is not wrong for us to strengthen Islam’s position and that of other religions; it is not wrong to want to take care of our area, our village, our region, our state.

“But trust, all of this can be done with a love for our country, a country that coexists and holds on to one another,” he said.

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