JOHOR BARU: Having primary schools were a certain race is the majority should not be an issue, as it is a system that has been inherited from the nation's founding fathers, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said the matter should be approached with open heartedness and respect.

“Malaysia is a multiracial country, and this variety is our strength; our forefathers, in their motto during Independence, often said ‘bersekutu bertambah mutu’ which means unity is strength. This is similar to Indonesia’s ‘Bhinneka Tunggal Ika’.

“There are cases where our Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) has multiracial students, at the same time, there are also SJKT and SJKC; some areas might have 100% Malay students or 100% Chinese or Indian students.

“We should not see this as a problem; our role is to give them space and respect. Which is why in every Cabinet meeting I have stressed that all unity programmes must be able to penetrate until the grassroots level,” he said when officiating at the National Unity Week celebration at a shopping mall here on Saturday (May 25) night.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said that the ministry has allocated a minimum of RM50,000 and a maximum of RM100,000 to organise the Komuniti Madani programme.

“The project will be held in every village, rural area, and city. I want this programme to be strengthened because Malaysia is a great country.

“People thought that these unity programmes were only limited to cultural dances, singing, and festivities, but I have ensured that the National Unity Ministry's responsibility is more than that,” he said.

Anwar was also quoted by Bernama as saying that the struggles and contributions of past leaders in achieving the country's independence by uniting various races must always be remembered.

"It is the responsibility of youths, the younger generation, not to take this matter lightly because a country can rise due to the spirit of unity, and a country can also fall due to division and racial discord,” he said.

Anwar said inter-racial cohesion is the strength of the country, and for this, he expressed his respect and appreciation to all Malaysians for consistently supporting the spirit of unity.

Also present were National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/25/anwar-calls-on-youths-to-enhance-uphold-unity