08/02/2026

NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday FEB 8, 2026

Do not stoke racial, religious sentiments: PM

Govt determined to resolve hog farm issue: Anwar GOMBAK: The issue of pig farming is not a problem that has suddenly emerged but rather a legacy issue that the current government is attempting to resolve in a structured and responsible manner, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said he was puzzled by the way the matter has been heavily politicised in recent times, as though it were a new phenomenon. “Suddenly, pigs seem to be everywhere, as if they had never existed before. Even I find it strange,” he said in his speech at the Selangor PKR Convention. He said pig farming has existed in Selangor for decades and should be addressed through proper planning, regulation and enforcement rather than emotional rhetoric or political posturing. Anwar said the Selangor government, under the leadership of Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, who is also one of PKR’s vice-presidents, is actively working to resolve the issue in a comprehensive manner that takes into account environmental concerns, public health and community sensitivities. The issue became a heated topic following the state government’s plan to allow large-scale pig farming operations to continue in Tanjung Sepat, Kuala Langat starting this year, before relocating them to Bukit Tagar by 2030. The proposal drew a strong reaction from the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who expressed concern over the demographic composition of Kuala Langat, where a large proportion of residents are Malays. Following the Sultan’s remarks, Anwar said he had advised Amirudin to temporarily postpone the project to allow for further consideration and consultation. There are currently about 30 pig farms still operating in Tanjung Sepat, Kuala Langat, many of which have existed for years. Anwar reiterated that the government’s approach is to resolve the matter responsibly and lawfully, without exploiting the issue for political gain or inflaming racial and religious sentiments. – By IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE

‘Nation has laws and Federal Constitution, and problems must be resolved according to such channels, not by fanning flames of hatred’

taking action against corruption and abuse of power, including cases involving high-profile political figures. “I don’t care who it is, MPs, ministers or former ministers. What matters to me is the people’s mandate to save this country.” He said the recent exposure of large-scale financial scandals was not a sign that the country was deteriorating but proof that serious efforts are underway to clean up the system. Anwar also took a swipe at leaders who are vocal about championing racial causes but fail to explain their extraordinary personal wealth. “They talk about saving the Malays but their bank accounts run into billions. That is why they are afraid of us.” Present at the event were PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar, Selangor PKR chairman Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, PKR vice-president Datuk Seri R. Ramanan and party secretary general Datuk Fuziah Salleh.

based politics will only divide the people and ultimately destroy the country.” Anwar stressed that police have been instructed to take firm action against any party attempting to disrupt public order by fanning racial tensions. About 141 NGOs were reported to be planning a rally in the capital to pressure the authorities to take action against “illegal” houses of worship. The date of the demonstration coincides with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit. Anwar warned that history has shown many nations collapsed due to narrow racial and religious pulls. He stressed that Malaysia would only remain safe and stable if all citizens were embraced as one united force regardless of race or religion. “Malays, Chinese, Indians, Orang Asli – all as one team. Only then can justice be upheld.” Anwar also defended the government’s firm stance in

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“This country has laws and a Federal Constitution. If there is a problem, resolve it according to the law, not by fanning the flames of hatred.” Anwar, who is also PKR president, was speaking at the closing of the Selangor PKR Convention yesterday. He said issues involving places of worship must be addressed based on the rule of law, the Constitution and dialogue rather than sentiment or incitement. “PKR has never claimed to be a champion of any race. We are champions of justice. That has been the foundation of our struggle from the very beginning. “Narrow race and religion

GOMBAK: Racial and religious sentiments are often manipulated to stir hatred, especially through sensitive issues such as about places of worship, to gain short-term political support, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Without naming any specific party or individual, he linked the controversy surrounding illegal temples to old political tactics aimed at inflaming public emotions. “Day in, day out, racial and religious issues are being provoked. Not to strengthen unity but to dismantle it.

Anwar with delegates at the convention held at the MPAJ Convention Centre yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH /THESUN

Stop whining and start working, PKR chief tells Selangor delegates GOMBAK: PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has issued a stern warning that there is no place in the party for individuals who constantly complain, whine or undermine the organisation. delegates at the closing of the PKR Selangor Convention yesterday. “There is still a lot of work to be done. If you are not prepared to work, then leave,” he said, without naming any individual.

religious causes but fail to demonstrate integrity when in power. “When they had power, they did nothing. Once they lost power, they started shouting.” He added that PKR would not bow to pressure from those seeking to protect narrow interests by exploiting racial and religious issues. “We look after Malays, we look after Chinese, we look after Indians. We look after Malaysians.” – By IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE

“Now is the time. When else?” Anwar’s administration has come under heavy criticism from both within and outside the government, including from leaders within his own party – notably former PKR deputy president and former Cabinet minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, who lost the PKR party election last year to Anwar’s daughter Nurul Izzah. Anwar also criticised the attitude of certain leaders who frequently champion racial and

Anwar stressed that the party was founded as a movement of struggle, not as a platform to seek positions or vent personal dissatisfaction. He said the country is currently facing major challenges, including corruption, abuse of power and social fragmentation, and as such, the entire party machinery must remain focused on the work at hand.

Anwar also rejected a culture of internal attacks and insinuations, which he said would only weaken the party from within. “A little provocation here, a little threat there, that will not bring about change.” He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cleaning up the country regardless of political risks.

He said PKR only needs leaders and members who are willing to work, go to the ground and defend the party’s struggle. “If you want to fight, then fight. Don’t be good at whining. You don’t even have a branch, yet you make noise everywhere.” Anwar was speaking to PKR