Latest news with #UnityWeek2025
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Do not incite hatred through protests, says Anwar
NIBONG TEBAL: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded Malaysians that while peaceful protests are a right in any democratic nation, actions that incite hatred and division undermine national unity and hinder progress. He said this is especially so if the incitement is along racial or religious lines. Speaking at the national-level Unity Week 2025 celebration at Batu Kawan Stadium, Anwar addressed ongoing demonstrations calling for his resignation, acknowledging that public dissent is a legitimate part of democracy. "This is a democratic country. If people want to express dissatisfaction through protests, that is their right. I will not stop them," he said on Saturday (July 19). However, Anwar drew a firm line between peaceful protest and attempts to sow discord. "Acts of protest, defamation, and inciting hatred will not solve problems. Instead, they will only provoke anger among the people and prevent us from moving forward," he said. Anwar said that political discourse must remain civil and constructive and warned that divisive rhetoric could fracture the country's social fabric. He stated that those in positions of power should prioritise the needs and welfare of the people by addressing pressing issues and ensuring that no community, regardless of race, is left behind. Earlier, at the launching ceremony of the Tunas Madani and JKPSB Housing Project at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Penang Branch in Permatang Pauh, Anwar revealed that an announcement aimed at addressing the rising cost of living is expected next week. He said the Finance Ministry is in the final stages of refining several proposals that could be implemented immediately to help ease the burden on the people and tackle pressing economic concerns.
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![[UPDATED] PM: Peaceful protests allowed, but inciting hatred will not solve national issues](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] PM: Peaceful protests allowed, but inciting hatred will not solve national issues
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.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
PM: Peaceful protests allowed, but inciting hatred will not solve national issues
BATU KAWAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government would not obstruct 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," he said at the national-level Unity Week 2025 celebration at Batu Kawan Stadium here.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Free shuttle buses for Unity Week 2025 at Batu Kawan Stadium
GEORGE TOWN: Seven Rapid Penang shuttle buses will provide free transport to Batu Kawan Stadium for the national-level Unity Week 2025 celebration from July 17 to 20. The service, a collaboration between the Ministry of National Unity and Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, aims to ease public access to the event. Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Prasarana, will operate the shuttle service with two main routes. On the island side, buses will depart from Sungai Nibong Festival Site, running from 9 am to 10.30 pm (July 17-19) and 9 am to 6.30 pm (July 20) at 60-minute intervals. For the mainland route, pick-up points are at Hotel Blanket and Bank Rakyat Perda in Seberang Jaya, with the same operating hours except for a slightly extended schedule until 10.45 pm (July 17-19) and 6.45 pm (July 20). National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang praised Prasarana's initiative, stating, 'The ministry extends its utmost thanks to Prasarana Malaysia Berhad for the initiative in providing free shuttle bus service to the public.' Rapid Bus acting CEO Ku Jamil Zakaria reaffirmed the company's commitment to public convenience, ensuring smooth transport for attendees. The four-day event will feature 35 activities, including cultural exhibitions like Rumah KAMI, Kadazan Dusun and Orang Asli Ethnic Village, and the Malaysia Tanah Airku showcase.
Barnama
5 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Prasarana To Deploy Seven Shuttle Buses For Unity Week 2025 At Batu Kawan Stadium
GEORGE TOWN, July 16 (Bernama) -- Seven Rapid Penang shuttle buses will be available to transport the public to the Batu Kawan Stadium in conjunction with the national-level Unity Week 2025 celebration, from tomorrow until July 20. The Ministry of National Unity and Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana) jointly announced in a statement that the free shuttle service will be provided by Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd (Rapid Bus), Prasarana's subsidiary, and the ministry's strategic partner. The initiative aims to facilitate the public in planning their journey and attending the various programmes and activities throughout the four-day event. 'For the Sungai Nibong to Batu Kawan route on the island side, those heading to the stadium can wait at the Sungai Nibong Festival Site. Operating hours are 9 am to 10.30 pm from July 17 to 19, and 9 am to 6.30 pm on July 20, with buses running at 60-minute intervals. 'For the mainland route from Seberang Jaya to Batu Kawan, there will be two pick-up points, at Hotel Blanket and Bank Rakyat Perda. The service will run from 9 am to 10.45 pm from July 17 to 19, and 9 am to 6.45 pm on July 20, with the same 60-minute intervals,' read the statement. Meanwhile, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang commended Prasarana's effort in providing the free service, which indicates its continued commitment to strengthening an inclusive and people-friendly public transport system. 'The ministry extends its utmost thanks to Prasarana Malaysia Berhad for the initiative in providing free shuttle bus service to the public,' he said. Rapid Bus acting chief executive officer Ku Jamil Zakaria said the company remains dedicated to providing shuttle bus service for the convenience of the public attending the celebration. Thirty-five activities await visitors at Unity Week 2025, including the Rumah KAMI (ethnic house) exhibition, the Kadazan Dusun and Orang Asli Ethnic Village, the Malaysia Tanah Airku exhibition, and the Susur Masa showcase by the Department of Museums Malaysia.
