SHAH ALAM: The government has been reminded to refrain from issuing statements that can cause distress among the people.
PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the power gained through a change of government was a duty that must be shouldered responsibly.
"I do not deny that there are distressing and worrying statements (issued by the government)... but it has not strayed from the right track. The prime minister and his cabinet did not stray from the right track.
"We need to remind (the government) that the change of guard is a duty entrusted (by the people).
"Things can change. (For example) I am neither an elected representative nor hold any government position," Anwar said in his speech in Sungai Kandis last night.
Anwar who was here to campaign for PKR in the Sungai Kandis state seat by-election, said some had claimed Pakatan Harapan (PH) was too lax in its governance.
"I admit that PH is a new government and sometimes, there are careless and 'celupar' (loose cannon) statements, to an extent that I was surprised it was uttered by ministers."
However, he said the government would not stray from upholding the Federal Constitution.
"We have the power now and must do more to increase our understanding of Islam, that Islam is the truth, and do not give birth to oppressive and corrupt leaders.
"PH will (continue to) place Islam on the pedestal as the federal religion, there can be no compromise about it, and the Malay language as the national language. We will heed to the national language framework.
"We want the national language to be spoken and grasped well by everyone. We will uphold the Malay language as such, but we do not at the same time impede the development of Mandarin, Tamil and other languages.
"The special rights of Malays and Bumiputera will also be defended without comprising the rights of other races. The position of Malay rulers too, will be upheld as enshrined in the Constitution."
Anwar also gave a tongue-in-cheek comment concerning his possible return to Parliament.
"There is vacancy in Sungai Kandis, vacancy in Balakong and a vacancy in the Parliament...because I am going to contest."