Anwar Ibrahim stresses need for harmony, tolerance, justice

Mangalore, March 1: Malaysian Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the importance of fostering communal harmony between different religions and ethnic groups, especially in countries like India and Malaysia, which are known for plural society.

Addressing a press conference in the city on Thursday, the former deputy prime minister of Southeast Asian nation said that people of one religion should try to understand the principle of the other religion with an open mind so that they can eliminate their misconceptions.

Mr Ibrahim, who is eying at the next general elections following his acquittal in sodomy case, said rulers in a multicultural state should be just, tolerant and moderate. “You should not be partial, cannot commit human rights abuse and must treat people of all categories equally”, he said.

Recalling the decade old Gujarat massacre and recent incident of demolition of Hindu temples in Malaysia, he said mere claiming to be moderates was not enough but you should act with justice and respect the religious rights of all the people.

Illegal Immigrants

Asked about the 'missing' case of around 40,000 Indian nationals in Malaysia, the leader of People's Justice Party said there were both legitimate and illegitimate immigrants, but, you have to treat them as decent human beings. “In Malaysia there is law which allows caning illegitimate migrants, which is condemnable. They are punished only because they are poor,” he said.

He said if you want sort out the problem of illegal immigrants you have to crack down on corrupt agencies, which fool the poor migrants.

Democracy and Freedom of the Press

Saluting India's penchant for democracy and unswerving commitment under all times and freedom of the press, Mr Ibrahim said tyranny and autocracy prevailed in Malaysia under the pretext of 'Democracy'.

He said that there was no freedom of press in Malaysia, where mass media was completely controlled either by the ruling party or by the government.

Corruption

However, Mr Ibrahim lamented over the widespread corruption and increasing gap between rich and poor in both the nations. The needs of poor and marginalized must be addressed first, he said.

Mr Ibrahim, who was on a two day Dakshina Kannada visit to participate in a private programme in Puttur is expected to fly back later in the evening.