By Sulyn Chong
SHAH ALAM, Nov 17 — Pakatan Harapan (Harapan) chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim believes that Malaysia is no longer seen as an example and hope for the world as it was in the years past, but the power to change this will be in the hands of the voters this Saturday (November 19).
“There was a time when we were proud to be economically dynamic. We attracted foreign investors, students and tourists from around the world; excelled in various aspects and fields, and were exemplified by the outside world as a catalyst for hope and change.
“Today, the younger generation sees a dimension of Malaysia that is very different from the one we have known before.
“However, every five years, you have the power to decide which way the country goes and what kind of government you dream of. Take advantage of the power of democracy as best as possible,” he urged in a special address broadcasted live to the citizens of Malaysia today.
Anwar, who is also Harapan’s candidate for Tambun parliamentary seat, said the best formula to restore the nation is stability. To achieve this, it will require a few important values which the coalition is already armed with.
“Harapan consists of a team that is committed to the objectives of fairness and equality for all Malaysians. Our leaders are proven to be honest and have integrity. Through their hard work in service to the people, we will restore confidence between the people and the government,” he said.
Most importantly, the chairman added the government can only be stable if its leaders serve for the sake of the people and not out of self-interest.
“For a stable government, it needs to obey the Constitution. This includes preserving Islam as the Federal religion, the Malay language as the national language, preserving the privileges of the Malays and Bumiputeras, as well as respecting the sovereignty of the Rulers.
“Meanwhile, the rights of our multiracial family will also continue to be preserved and their dignity respected,” he said.
If Harapan should win the 15th general election, Anwar promises to not allow hatred among the people emerge in the nation.
“I emphasise that hostility and racial hatred has no place in our country. We will embrace the cooperation of all the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Ibans, Kadazans and Orang Asli to shape a more prosperous future for Malaysia,” he said.
In concluding his address, Anwar reminded the people this election is not a question of simply changing leadership. Instead, it is a matter of making Malaysia safe and making the right changes to restore a nation that continues to decline.
“This election is not about changing the Prime Minister, but is the best chance to save the country and make sweeping changes to restore our beloved Malaysia. Rest assured that we still have hope,” he said.
