March 15, 2008
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia - KeADILan’s Malaysian Economic Agenda is committed to the upliftment and betterment of the poor and marginalized Malays, Chinese and Indians, Ibans and Kadazans. We have always stated that under our leadership the interests of the Malays will be protected and we remain committed to building a new system that is more just, more equitable and that ensures no one is left behind irrespective of race or religion.
We plan to implement new mechanisms to channel economic aid to the vast numbers of petty traders and small businessmen in Malay communities and ensure that educational opportunities, microcredit financing schemes, social and welfare services and other forms of economic relief are made available to the Malays.I believe all Malaysians including the Malays are pleased with the mandate that was given to KeADILan on March 8th and they look forward to a government that is more accountable, fights corruption and delivers on its promises to promote economic growth and reduce poverty in all segments of society.
I am therefore deeply concerned with the attempt being made by certain elements to stoke the flames of racial hatred in the aftermath of the March 8th Malaysian elections. We have reason to believe that this vicious campaign is being orchestrated by a small number of very wealthy Malays and UMNO leaders who are themselves guilty of squandering and abusing the NEP to enrich themselves and their cronies at the expense of the general public. These people are now using the UMNO and government controlled media to incite fears among the Malays and deflect attention away from their electoral defeat and from UMNO’s historic failures to address the needs of all Malaysians including the poor and marginalised Malays.
I ask my fellow Malaysians to reject the desperate attempts by some UMNO members to salvage the remnants of a broken party by pandering to people’s fears and sowing divisions and disunity among the people of our nation.
We must remain united in support of a New Dawn for Malaysia.
ANWAR IBRAHIM
