Defend Malay rights through action, not political slogans — Anwar

JOHOR BAHRU (July 5): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pictured) on Saturday criticised "certain parties" that frequently champion Malay supremacy, while at the same time allowing Malay reserve land to fall into the hands of others.

He expressed disappointment that the issue was often used as political capital to garner support and votes during elections, when defending the interests of the Malays should instead be demonstrated through transparent actions and policies.

“Do not merely shout Bumiputera or Malay, long live the Malays, when elections are near, only to seize Malay contracts, Malay projects and Malay assets after gaining power.

“I want to ask the parties that frequently speak about Malay supremacy, when was the last time you created Malay reserve land? What I know is that a great deal of Malay reserve land has been lost to others,” said Anwar.

He said this when speaking at a gathering with Johor youth in conjunction with the 2026 Johor-level Kembara Inspirasi Belia Akar Umbi (Kibar) programme at Taman Melor, Tampoi here on Saturday.

Also present were Selangor Menteri Besar and Pakatan Harapan (PH) Johor state election director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, and Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said that as proof of his administration’s commitment, the government had, for the first time since independence, gazetted 20.23 hectares of strategic land in Bandar Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, as Malay reserve land.

He said the Bandar Malaysia project, located at the former Sungai Besi Air Base, is expected to have a gross development value of RM140 billion.

Anwar said the move demonstrated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of Malays and Bumiputera without denying the rights of other communities to also benefit from national development.

According to him, the empowerment of Bumiputera entrepreneurs remains a priority through various concrete initiatives, including the launch of Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd's (PUNB) SParK 2026: Business Transformation programme on Saturday.

Through the programme, PUNB is targeting loan approvals of up to RM2.25 billion from 2026 to 2030 to strengthen Bumiputera entrepreneurship development.

..........

Read about emerging trends, data-backed insights, growing subsectors, and expert commentaries in EdgeProp print. Subscribe now for your free copy!