PM Anwar Rejects Claims MADANI Government is Anti-Islam

MELAKA, Sept 29 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed accusations that the MADANI government is against Islam, describing such allegations as baseless and politically motivated.

Speaking at the 27th anniversary celebration of the Reformasi movement organized by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Anwar criticized opposition leaders whom he accused of exploiting religion as a tool to attack the government with slander and insults.

“I rarely comment on individuals, but when I hear a Member of Parliament say, ‘our dignity is gone,’ I want to ask: when they were in power, when PAS was in government, did gambling licenses increase or not? Don’t speak out of desire, using religion as a cover when the reality contradicts it,” he said.

Anwar stressed that constructive criticism aimed at improving morality in line with the MADANI concept is welcome. However, he rejected any attempt to label his government as anti-Islam.

“Where are we opposing Islam? We increased allocations for Islamic affairs, supported religious schools (maahad tahfiz), and even placed young Quran memorizers (huffaz) into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutes with proper training,” he explained.

Also present were PKR Melaka State Leadership Council Chairman Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin and PKR Secretary-General Fuziah Salleh.

Anwar drew comparisons with the previous Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration, claiming it had failed to strengthen the Islamic agenda while simultaneously expanding special lottery draws.

“Compare the MADANI government with PN. What Islamic programs did they implement in the Ministry of Education? Instead, they increased lottery draws to 22 times. PAS should not criticize, because when they were in government, they were the ones who approved the increase,” he said.

He reminded the audience that the Reformasi struggle has always emphasized courage to speak out against corruption with facts, not by labeling others as infidels or hypocrites without evidence.

“We instill the courage to fight corruption, not use religion to deceive the people,” Anwar stressed, reaffirming that the MADANI government will embody Islamic values through clean, fair, and people-centered governance.

On integrity, Anwar highlighted that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has been granted full independence to act without political interference.

“If any minister, deputy minister, or anyone in this government is involved in corruption, we will not protect them. Stolen wealth must be returned to the people,” he said.

He further underlined the government’s commitment to unity by rejecting racial hate politics and pledged balanced development across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. This includes upgrading dilapidated schools and accelerating basic infrastructure projects.

Anwar also noted that Malaysia is driving strategic investments, especially in the semiconductor sector in Penang, Sarawak, and Sabah, as part of efforts to position the country as a major player in new technologies.

“This nation must be led with determination, hard work, and integrity, not with rhetoric or hatred. Malaysia MADANI is for all citizens, regardless of race or religion,” he said.

Earlier, Anwar officiated the new PKR Melaka State Leadership Council headquarters.

— BERNAMA