“That programme was not necessarily a wise one.
“Why go and excite people unnecessarily? I mean, I go to churches, (and) it’s not an issue.
“It’s important that the prime minister can attend (events in other houses of worship). I also attend Hindu festivals in temples. That’s not an issue (either).
“But at a time when people are a bit apprehensive, not only in Malaysia, worse (still) in Europe these days and among some right-wing people in the US, I think we should be more circumspect.
“We should not allow issues like this to be abused or exploited by the opposition, which is desperate (to do so),” he told Al Jazeera.
The full-length interview was released today.
Anwar said this when asked why the programme, mooted by youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh, had been dropped as the network said it ran against his push for equal rights for all.
Anwar also said the special position of Malays and Islam, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, must be accepted as a reality.
“What is forbidden is, of course, to use that to discriminate and undermine the rest. That runs contrary to the idea of genuine equality for all races and for everyone.”
He added: “I’m blessed to be a practising Muslim. I fast, I pray. But why must it be seen to be divisive unless you take up policies, or in your rhetoric, say things that continue to abuse or discriminate – which I will not do.
“And in this administration, we made it very clear that we’ll protect the sanctity of our belief, our religion … we are Malaysians.”
Anwar criticised the opposition for practising hypocrisy when talking about inclusivity because they were Malay parties which talked about Malay policies and used every occasion to attack the unity government as being multiracial and liberal.
To a question on whether he was concerned about the growth of conservative Islam in Malaysia, the prime minister said it was a universal phenomenon in most Muslim countries. He said Malaysians should address it with reason.
“We should be forthright in this. I’m countering many of the arguments, even in Parliament,” he said.
Billionaire politicians ganging up
Anwar said he was not bothered about constant rumours of elected representatives switching sides to destabilise his government.
“Some of the most corrupt forces, you know, the political elite in this country, are ganging up with billions at their disposal.
“But now that I’m in power, in the position (as PM), I’m not sitting idle. So, I will fight them if they want to solicit support by buying people, by bribing people to protect their turf.
“They misread if they think that I’m a bit rattled. No, I am just determined to rid the country of abuses and corruption,” he said.
Anwar reiterated that his government was stable for now as he had two-thirds majority in Parliament, adding that the opposition was resorting to this because of his strong stance against corruption and abuse of power.