He said it was not merely about touching on issues of race and royalty but using them to cause division and chaos.

“My stance and that of my colleagues in the Cabinet is that no actions are taken or controls imposed on the freedom of journalists and the media to express opinions, feedback and criticism,” Anwar said.

“I give an assurance that this spirit remains, although this leads to some anxiety because of our firmness in tackling issues related to security, chauvinistic beliefs and racism, or religious fanatic movements.”

Speaking at the Malaysian Press Institute-Petronas journalism awards dinner, Anwar said Malaysia was capable of becoming a great nation if journalists could focus on reporting with the aim of ensuring peace and highlighting the country’s progress.

“The value of a successful journalist is one who works with feelings, confidence and passion for the profession,” he said.

“I believe Malaysia can become a great and strong nation if we focus on our goals for peace, economy, culture, religion and digital (advancement), but don’t be dragged into issues that divide us, show ignorance or arrogance to the point of eroding humanity,” he said.

He said the government always supported and defended the rights and freedom of the media in providing reprimands and criticisms, adding that this has been the case since before the country’s independence.

Anwar also urged the people to improve their command of English without marginalising efforts to make Bahasa Malaysia the lingua franca.

“I have instructed the education minister (Fadhlina Sidek) and the ministry of higher education to uphold the policy on Bahasa Malaysia but, at the same time, to enhance the ability to improve the mastery of English,” he said.