GOMBAK, Aug 11 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim issued a stern warning last night against politicians and their supporters who are fanning racist sentiments and religious fanaticism that could cause division in the nation
In a fiery speech at the grand finalé of campaigning in Gombak, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman said such attempts would not be tolerated and nobody will be left out under his administration.
“This is not about politics. I don’t care who [the supporters] back or which party [the politicians are from], but they are riding on religion. They are punishing and slandering people [by saying that] if they don’t support [a political party], they are [infidels] and will go to hell [as] enemies of Allah.
“I want to tell you tonight, after this, this PM will not tolerate this nonsense,” the prime minister told thousands who attended the rally here.
Anwar also said that standing up to the plights of the Malays and Bumiputera does not mean that the rights of the minority will be discriminated, as he stressed that the racial harmony will be preserved by the government.
“It’s not a zero-sum game, if I support the Malays, I will not neglect the minorities,” he added.
Supporters filled up the field since 7pm as stalls were set up creating a festival-like atmosphere while they waited for the arrival of their leaders.
Also present were the two deputy prime ministers Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Fadillah Yusof.
Apart from Anwar’s deputies, also present at the ceramah were Selangor caretaker menteri besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari alongside candidates from the alliance between PH and Barisan Nasional.
Selangor has 56 state seats and the alliance is contesting all of them.
Polling will open tomorrow morning.
