KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 — PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has maintained today that all ethnic groups enjoy equal rights and freedom in Malaysia.
“Malaysians have equal rights and freedom. Exceptions only apply to the national language, national religion and rulers’ special privileges,” said Anwar after a meeting with Federal Territories Pakatan Harapan leaders.
Anwar was responding to Perlis Mufti Datuk Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, who said when it comes to national identity, there must always be a dominant ethnic group — and Malaysia is for the Malays.
On Friday, Mohd Asri said this concept applies elsewhere, including India, China and Europe for all the west's talk of human rights and equality for all.
He added that a nation must have its identity and said that it was not racist to refer to China being for Chinese, and India for Indians.
Anwar declined to comment further on the Perlis mufti's remarks, saying it is enough that Malaysians respect harmony, love, and all good things among each other in the country.
His remarks come amid several recent divisive ethno-religious issues in the country, including televangelist Dr Zakir Naik who is being investigated for his alleged inflammatory remarks against minorities here.
The police are also investigating tycoon Tan Sri Koon Yew Yin for a recent blog post on the Armed Forces, and Chinese educationist group Dong Zong for its opposition to the teaching of Malay-Arabic calligraphy khat in vernacular schools.
