PUTRAJAYA: Malays and Islam in the country are not under pressure or being challenged, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today.
Anwar said those were baseless political rhetorics played up by certain quarters.
He said it was proven that the 80 per cent of activities conducted by the Rural and Development Ministry have directly benefited the Malays and the Bumiputera, including those in Sabah and Sarawak.
"This year, the programmes held under the unity government are far way better. The allocations set aside by the Finance Ministry for states such as Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu are higher than previous years.
"But what is being spread and slandered is that these states are sidelined. Islam is being challenged, but by who? What programmes have we conducted that have tainted Islam?
"I asked the ministry if Karnival Usahawan Desa breached Islam? But this is the endless political narrative.
"That is why I stress that we must answer firmly, we must not be derailed and boost efforts to develop everyone, regardless of race and religion and ensure the wellbeing and justice of all in the country," he said in his speech at the five-day carnival held at Anjung Floria, today.
He also asked the people to focus on the economy and the nation's growth.
Separately, Anwar said the government will not change its subsidy policy stance, even if there are potential price increases in items such as chicken.
He said instead, those in need will be given direct fund injections like Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah.
"2024 is the time for us to conduct a few programmes that had been delayed for decades, including targeted subsidies.
"This issue will be played up for sure. It was like when we lifted the subsidies for chicken, there was an outburst, saying that the price will rise, but it turned out that the price was more controlled than before.
"But if one says that they have losses of RM30 or RM50 monthly to buy chicken, we will take the approach to provide direct fund injections so that the price does not escalate," he added.