KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated that the concept of the Madani government is inclusive and extends beyond the confines of Malay Muslims.
He clarified that while the concepts are rooted in the Quran and Hadith, they do not suggest exclusive benefits for Muslims, neglecting other believers in the nation.
"Upon delving into the messages conveyed in the Quran, its mention of various ethnicities, regions, and languages, promoting respect, understanding, and love among diverse communities.
"This inclusivity does not conflict with the Chinese or Indian communities. Let's refrain from getting entangled in pro or anti sentiments and instead remain open to learning from all experiences.
"Madani is undoubtedly embraced because Muslims constitute the majority in Malaysia, and Islam is the official religion, but its principles are universal.
"What we convey is the message of Islam, its beliefs, and ethics, yet the message of justice and humanity is intended for everyone," he said during the Malaysia Madani dialogue session at the Madani Government One Year Anniversary Programme closing ceremony, held here.
He responded to an attendee who sought clarification on the message of Madani, expressing uncertainty about its meaning. The attendee, being a non-Malay Muslim, believed it was exclusive to a specific group.
Anwar also stressed that non-Malays in the nation should understand the underlying message of Madani rather than speculating based on their own understanding.
"The crucial message of Madani is to avoid harboring negative assumptions and not align with a Western approach that is anti-Chinese, anti-Indian, or against any other community.
"We should not be influenced by such sentiments, as we must unite around all that is good, regardless of religious differences.
He also underscored the importance of recognising faith as a personal right, emphasising that in national matters, it is essential to extend kindness to all for collective efforts in nation-building.
"As practiced in Madani, we provide assistance to everyone, irrespective of their ethnicity or religion. Let's focus on the positive aspects."