'I Am the Least Racist': Anwar Defends Madani Government's Record on Racial Equality

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described himself as the "least racist" politician while defending his government's record in providing assistance and programmes for Malaysians of all races. In a winding-up speech at the 2026 PKR National Congress on Sunday, Anwar addressed criticism that the government had not done enough for certain communities, particularly the Indian community, and called on party members to better communicate the administration's achievements.

"I am the least racist. I grew up in a multi-racial town, and my close friends are the Malays, Chinese and Indians. When I was president of the Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (Abim), I had very close relations with many non-Muslim organisations and non-Malay friends. So I have nothing to apologise for. For me, this is about consistency, and that is important," he said.

A Record of Assistance

Anwar said the Madani administration had significantly increased programmes and assistance for all communities, including the Indian community, despite some members questioning whether enough had been done. "I took on the task of coordinating all the programmes. Programmes for the Indian community under Madani are at their highest level in history. There has never been an approach like this before," he emphasised.

"But it is not getting through, so I want to remind branch chiefs, branch leaders and Keadilan leaders, those at the front and those at the back, to get to work and explain it. It is not propaganda. It is a reality. We have done it," he said.

The Prime Minister's remarks come amid ongoing debates about the government's commitment to addressing the needs of minority communities in Malaysia. Critics have argued that the Madani administration's policies have not translated into tangible benefits for the Indian community, despite promises of inclusivity and equality. Anwar's speech was a direct rebuttal to these criticisms, framing the government's record as one of unprecedented achievement.

The Communication Gap

Anwar acknowledged that the government's efforts have not been effectively communicated to the public, leading to a perception gap that undermines the administration's credibility. He urged PKR members and leaders to do more to explain the government's policies and translate its achievements at the macro level into tangible benefits for the people.

This includes programmes aimed at improving the welfare of people across income groups. "When we provide assistance to the people, if we compare it with previous assistance, some may say that the 1Malaysia assistance was higher. But look at the figures, there is a huge difference with Rahmah assistance," he said, referencing the government's flagship cash assistance programme.

The Rahmah assistance programme, which provides direct financial aid to low-income households, has been a cornerstone of the Madani administration's social welfare agenda. Anwar's comparison with the previous 1Malaysia assistance programme was a direct attempt to demonstrate the government's commitment to improving the lives of Malaysians across all income groups.

Progress on Poverty Reduction

Anwar also highlighted the government's progress in reducing hardcore poverty, with the latest figure standing at 0.09% in 2024. He described this as a significant achievement, reflecting the government's focus on addressing economic inequality and improving the welfare of the most vulnerable segments of society.

The reduction in hardcore poverty is a key indicator of the government's success in implementing its social welfare programmes. Anwar's emphasis on this achievement was intended to bolster the administration's credibility and counter criticisms that the government has not done enough to address poverty and inequality.

A Call to Action

Anwar's speech was also a call to action for PKR members and leaders to take ownership of the government's achievements and communicate them effectively to the public. He stressed the importance of consistency and integrity in governance, reiterating his commitment to serving all Malaysians regardless of race or religion.

The Prime Minister's remarks were met with applause from delegates at the PKR National Congress, reflecting the party's support for his leadership and the Madani administration's agenda. The speech also set the tone for the party's future direction, emphasising the importance of unity, inclusivity, and effective communication in advancing the government's goals.

Anwar's defence of his government's record on racial equality and community assistance highlights the challenges of governing a multi-racial society in Malaysia. While the administration has made significant strides in assisting all communities, the perception gap between government achievements and public awareness remains a persistent challenge. Anwar's call for PKR members to do more to communicate the government's achievements reflects a recognition that effective governance requires not only policy implementation but also effective public engagement.

As the Madani administration continues its efforts to address the needs of all Malaysians, the success of its programmes will depend on its ability to bridge the gap between policy and perception. Anwar's speech at the PKR National Congress was a step in that direction, reaffirming the government's commitment to inclusivity and equality while urging party members to play a more active role in communicating its achievements.