KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim affirmed that the existing constitutional framework is sufficient in maintaining the tradition of having a prime minister of Malay ethnicity.
He said there was no necessity to amend the constitution and that serious proposals or discussions have arisen on the matter.
“Since Merdeka (August 31, 1957), prime minister candidates have consistently been Malay.
“Moving forward, the government’s candidate for prime minister will remain Malay, and likewise, the opposition’s candidate will also be Malay,” he told reporters after performing Friday prayers at Surau Al-Kauthar in Bangi today.
He underscored the need to safeguard the rights of people from all ethnic backgrounds and constituencies.
Anwar’s remarks were prompted by the suggestion from Bersatu’s Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal to amend the federal constitution, stipulating that only Malays can hold the position of prime minister.
This discussion arose following a statement by DAP veteran leader Lim Kit Siang, asserting that the constitution does not presently prohibit a non-Malay from becoming prime minister.
Anwar also criticised the opposition for manufacturing unnecessary controversies.
“The opposition is deliberately stirring up issues, akin to the redelineation exercise. They aim to sow discord between Malays and Chinese.
“They lack an understanding of the constitution. The constitution only allows a review of the redelineation exercise at the end of 2026.
“Why are they fixating on this? Instead, Why not focus on improving the economy and alleviating people’s burdens?” Anwar asked. – December 15, 2023