[UPDATED] PM: Peaceful protests allowed, but inciting hatred will not solve national issues

New Straits Times

7 days ago

BATU KAWAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government would not prevent peaceful protests, but warned that efforts to incite hatred, particularly along racial or religious lines, would only deepen divisions and derail national progress.
Addressing ongoing public demonstrations calling for his resignation, Anwar said such actions were part of a functioning democracy, but stressed that political discourse must not descend into hostility and communal antagonism.
"This is a democratic country. If the people want to express their dissatisfaction through protests, that is their right. I will not stop them.
"But inciting hatred will only lead to anger among the people and no solutions to the problems faced," Anwar said at the national-level Unity Week 2025 celebration at Batu Kawan Stadium here.
"When those at the top incite hatred, those below are influenced by it, and tensions rise.
"When they are in power, they use their power to enrich themselves. When they are no longer in power, they will incite hatred. If we want the country to be peaceful and stable, we must live in harmony," he told a large cheering crowd.
Anwar is on a one-day visit to Penang.
Present were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
Anwar also said that nation-building is a long and gradual process, but destroying it can happen easily.
"Who says we can't change the government? We can. Even Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul mentioned about bringing a motion in Parliament to remove support for the prime minister. If there is enough support, the prime minister must resign. But there is no support.
"If that is the case, then wait for the next election. Why can't we wait? Then, what should we do?
"Do you think that through protests, the prime minister should resign? I won't stop it (protests) because we are a democratic country.
"What else do we need to do?
"That is why we listen to the people and make improvements," he added.
Anwar said rather than doing so, there were people who were envious and incite hatred.
"We can't even be angry as that person is already 100 years old. Please help the Malays, no one is stopping you.
Take care of the country. Feel free to ask me, I will help. But we must not ignore the other citizens of our nation.
"No country in the world will be safe if we take an approach that incites hatred against one ethnic group.
"I need to remind everyone that this is a shared responsibility.
"If we want to save this country, we must protect the unity of our nation. This is our strength.
"Ask any world leader or people outside, what is great about Malaysia? The Malays and Islam are the majority, but if we don't take care of all the races, our country won't be safe," he said.
Meanwhile, Anwar also highlighted Malaysia's growing credibility on the global stage, citing recent diplomatic milestones.
"Kuala Lumpur is now recognised for its political stability and peace.
"During last week's Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Kuala Lumpur became a trusted venue for key dialogues.
"Among those were rare bilateral discussions between the United States and China, and for the first time, talks between the US and Russian foreign ministers in Malaysia.
Asean members as well as Gulf and East Asian nations have expressed confidence in Malaysia as a strategic partner.
"This is not just about me or my administration. It is about the message of unity and peace that Malaysia carries," he said.
At today's event, Anwar also announced an additional RM10 million allocation for the National Unity Ministry, saying that he was satisfied with the ministry's performance all this while.