Anwar tackles fears of Malays and non-Malays, complicity in graft

KBN CONGRESS | Pakatan Harapan de facto leader president Anwar Ibrahim today sought to address the elephant in the room at the Future of Bumiputeras and the Nation Congress (KBN 2018) amid debate over the purpose of the event, which sometimes took on racial undertones.

Addressing some 2,500 delegates at the congress in Kuala Lumpur today, Anwar said there was a need for Malays and non-Malays to understand each other's fears.

"The new dawn in Malaysia has given rise to hope for a freer environment but at the same time has also raised concerns among non-Malays, if our promise for justice - that Malays, Chinese, Indians, Iban and Kadazan will not be sidelined - has been forgotten.

“At the same time, (among) many Malays, as mentioned by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in our private meetings, there are concerns that our new policies and paradigm shift will sideline the Malays.

"This is the political reality in Malaysia - that Malays also worry that when we talk about meritocracy, a more open and liberal economy, they will be sidelined," he said.

Anwar stressed that while the respective communities have their concerns, Harapan will ensure that neither the majority nor the minority is sidelined.

MCA vice-president Chew Mei Fun previously challenged Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng to cancel the event in order to demonstrate that Pakatan Harapan “truly stood for unity”, which in turn prompted criticism from Bersatu.

Anwar also addressed the issue of corruption perpetuated under the previous government and bluntly told delegates that there were some among them who were also responsible.

"1MDB... What does it represent? That politicians were slow to act, that businesspeople who worshipped contracts and wealth allowed this country to sink.

"And I understand some among you here today were involved," he said as nervous laughter emerged from the floor.

"Yes, now there are shouts of 'Hidup Pakatan' but (those who shout) were equally responsible for the damage (to the country)," he added.

Targeting the disadvantaged

Anwar then lauded the discussions at the congress today and its break from the past, with a focus on addressing the abuses in the bumiputera economic system such as plugging leakages and ending the “Ali Baba” practice where bumiputera firms sell their contracts to non-bumiputera companies for a quick profit.

He added that the bumiputera policies should be tailored for the benefit of the needy and not only the select few, pointing out that Malays make up a disproportionately higher percentage of the B40 crowd.

When the crowd applauded, Anwar also cautioned that such tailored bumiputera policies may cause unhappiness as it would mean ending contracts for those who abuse their bumiputera privileges.

In his speech, Anwar also addressed his relationship with Mahathir, whom he is convinced wants to "save the economy".

"I have been Mahathir's closest friend and fiercest enemy. I have seen his extraordinary determination.

"In our first meeting, I put on a smile amid tears, but I could sense his determination and it was proven with his preparedness to sacrifice in the realisation that the country must be saved.

"His focus is to save the economy," he said.

The event was Anwar's first government function since being released from prison in May.

During his speech, Anwar again hinted that he may be making a comeback to Parliament soon and vowed to keep the government in check if it succumbs to practices of the previous BN government. -Mkini

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