Putrajaya, August 20, 2025 – The Europe Today: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that his Madani government is committed to ensuring justice for all Malaysians, regardless of whether they belong to the majority Malay community or minority groups such as the Chinese, Indians, and indigenous peoples.
Speaking at the Finance Ministry’s monthly assembly on Wednesday (Aug 20), Anwar underscored the importance of adopting a balanced approach.
“We do not want tyranny of the majority, but at the same time, we do not want tyranny of the minority. The approach we take must be one of justice. If there are any weaknesses, we will make improvements, such as in the coming budget where adjustments will be made,” he said.
Anwar acknowledged that weaknesses could arise despite the government’s best efforts, but said these could be addressed through constructive dialogue. He also criticized certain opposition quarters for attempting to stir racial divisions in Malaysia’s multicultural society.
The Prime Minister, who also serves as Finance Minister, clarified the rationale behind aid and assistance allocations under the Madani administration, noting that they are based on need rather than ethnicity.
He cited the government’s Business Financing Guarantee Scheme, under which up to 75% — or about RM14 billion — was channelled to Chinese-owned SMEs. “It’s not because we choose them because they are Chinese, but because the bulk of SMEs are controlled by Chinese companies, which make an important contribution to the nation’s economy,” he explained.
Similarly, he highlighted targeted support for the Indian community, particularly the hardcore poor. Since 2022, allocations under the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) programme for eligible recipients from the Indian community have grown from RM500 million to RM972 million this year. In comparison, Malays, who make up around 60% of the population, received RM721 million under STR.
“While there are hardcore poor among the Malays, the extremely hardcore poor are from the Indian community. We choose them not because they are Indians but because they are extremely hardcore poor,” Anwar said.
He also dismissed opposition claims that Malay rights were being eroded, pointing to the appointment of Comm Datuk M. Kumar as head of Bukit Aman’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID). “The department is made up of about 90% Malays, but its head is an Indian. This is not an issue for me. Anyone who is capable of the job is eligible for it,” he stated.
Anwar further noted that Malay reserve land had increased under his administration, while affirming that the government’s fairness toward minorities should be viewed as a strength, not a weakness.
“Our approach is to be fair to the minorities, unlike in some countries where minorities, including Muslim minorities, are sidelined or ignored,” he concluded.
