Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has rejected pressure to build policy around Malay dominance, telling a Deepavali gathering in Kuala Lumpur that he would rather be a leader for all Malaysians than one who survives on ethnic sentiment. He spoke on 14 November at the 2026 national Deepavali celebration at Little India in Brickfields, Free Malaysia Today wrote.
The argument had been put to him directly. “People say, Anwar, you must embrace policies rooted in Malay interests and dominance. Otherwise, you will not survive.” His answer, he said, was simple: “I want to remain a Malaysian leader who loves this country.”
He said the position of the Malay language, Islam and the special position of the Malays under the Federal Constitution must not be questioned. “But we must remember that, for this country to remain safe, we must guarantee justice, success and happiness for all communities and every citizen in our country,” he said, as carried by The Vibes.
National stability rested on that balance, he said, and Malaysia had the strength and resources to keep prosperity within reach of every community. Wealth had to go towards the well-being of all citizens regardless of race, because poverty was not confined to any one group.
There are successful Malays, Chinese, Indians, Ibans and Kadazans, he said, yet poverty persists inside every community and needs the government’s attention.
Anwar also aimed at critics who style themselves community champions. He claimed certain quarters were using racial issues to pull attention away from corruption and fraud, and said some of the loudest voices on community survival were among the country’s wealthiest people. “Their struggle is about enriching themselves and their families.”
On the Indian community, he listed education, Tamil schools, Hindu temples, Indian business owners and poverty in urban areas and estates as matters still needing work.
He said a RM200 payment would go to every school-going child in January, regardless of race or district, to ease the cost of the new school year.
Anwar said Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, marks the triumph of light over darkness and should remind Malaysians to hold to justice, fairness and moral values, and to respect one another across religion, culture and language.
The celebration carried the theme “Cahaya Deepavali, Semarak Perpaduan”, or Deepavali lights, unity shines, and was organised by the national unity ministry with the Malaysia Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil, digital minister Gobind Singh Deo, human resources minister R Ramanan and national unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang attended.
Performances included silambam, kalaripayattu and karra samu, alongside classical music and fashion shows.
