KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has questioned critics of the unity government, who have characterised it as a less Malay and Islamic government.
During a special interview "Setahun Bersama Kerajaan Madani: Tiwikrama Perdana Menteri", he said that the government had demonstrated the importance of protecting the rights of Malay Bumiputera on numerous occasions, including the corruption of the Jana Biwawa programme, which should have benefitted the Bumiputera.
He also said that the government had empowered the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to take action against any parties, regardless of race or religion, who had amassed wealth illegally.
He also clarified that the constitutional challenges to the Syariah Law in Selangor and Kelantan were based on the Selangor Sultan and the Conference of Rulers.
"Where have we shown that we are less Malay?
"But they (critics) were saying we are challenging God's law.
"They speak about Islam but are clearly lying," he said today.
Anwar said that such a narrative would cause division amongst the people and steps must be taken to ensure it did not continue.
He said that the intense hostility displayed was risky for such a deep and powerful narrative against the government.
However, he also admitted that the government should improve its communications as well when addressing such sensitive issues.
"It is not easy when speaking about religion.
"But I find it strange that there are parties which claim they can guarantee heaven if they follow them.
"This is as if our efforts were not visible," he added.