IPOH, Oct 6 — The government has never discussed on changing the status of Islam as the religion of the Federation, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the accusations made by the opposition regarding the issue are deemed a distortion of facts and could incite hatred.
“We have never discussed changing the principles related to language, Islam, the special rights of Malays and Bumiputera or the position of (Malay) Rulers.
“None of these topics has ever been discussed or raised during my tenure as prime minister,” he said when launching the National Language Month 2024 at the Ipoh Convention Centre today.
Also present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka director-general Dr Hazami Jahari.
Anwar urged the opposition to stop spreading fake news and exploiting issues related to religion and ethnicity that incite hatred among the people towards the government.
He said that while everyone can criticise the government, it should not involve spreading lies.
“Criticise economic policies, issues surrounding the ringgit or even claim the prime minister is unwise, but it’s not acceptable to spread narratives that imply that our actions are detrimental to the nation and religion,” he said.
The prime minister stressed that the opposition should work with the government to uphold the stability and harmony of the country.
He added that the country’s economic stability is respected by both allies and adversaries due to its clear policies.
“Political differences are normal, and everyone is free to express their opinion, but it must be done responsibly. Otherwise, we risk creating a culture of anxiety and fear,” he said. — Bernama
