IPOH: The government has never discussed changing the status of Islam as the official religion of the country, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said that recent accusations by the opposition were unfounded, factually fabricated and had the potential to incite hatred.
"What kind of fantasy is this? There is nothing to it. Datuk Seri Saarani (Saarani Mohamad) is here in Ipoh, and the Chief Secretary to the Government is here as well.
"We have never discussed changing these principles, whether they pertain to language, Islam, the special rights of the Malay Bumiputeras or the position of rulers.
"At no time since I became prime minister almost two years ago have these issues been discussed or even raised.
"But an opposition leader recently, in a religious talk, claimed that the current government intends to amend the constitutional principle of Islam as the religion of the federation."
Anwar said this in his speech at the launch of National Language Month 2024 at the Ipoh Convention Centre here today.
Present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka director-general Dr Hazami Jahari.
Anwar emphasised that such statements would only fuel hatred among the public.
"I took a firm stance and have mentioned to Saarani earlier; criticise our economic policies, criticise the issues, criticise the prime minister for not being wise in some areas.
"But you cannot lie, slander and instil fear as if what we are doing has completely destroyed the language, ethnicity or religion of the country," he added.
Anwar described Malaysia as a strong nation by becoming a semiconductor hub, attracting investments worth hundreds of billions of ringgit, and was respected by both allies and adversaries because of its stability.
"Differences in opinion are normal. Political differences are normal. But this country is peaceful, with clear policies on progress, fostering new skills and development.
"So, what should be acknowledged is that our politics are stable. When the general election comes, then contest. But right now, the politics are stable.
"Stability allows us to plan, collaborate and strategise for the economy — whether it's economic policies, energy transition or digital transformation," he said.
Investors, he said, had observed this stability, giving them the confidence to bring in significant investments into the country.
Anwar also urged the opposition to stop creating a culture of fear and anxiety, likening it to frightening children with ghost stories.
"This is also true for politicians; when they see stability in politics and a thriving economy, they are driven by jealousy and seek to create fear among the public," he said.