KUALA LUMPUR: Being Malay should not be a reason to deny others their rights under the Federal Constitution, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic).

"We all have to take the position that the Constitution is very clear on the position of the Malays, but it is also clear on protecting the welfare of all citizens in this country. The future is for all Malaysians," said Anwar.

Anwar said this during a question-and-answer session at the opening of the International Malaysia Law Conference on Monday (July 10).

He questioned certain quarters for denying the nation's multicultural society by insisting that the country belongs to the Malays.

Anwar's response comes after former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad continued insisting that “Malaysia is a Malay country" despite the loud criticisms from moderates who defended multiculturalism.

Dr Mahathir had recently penned a 12-point Malay Proclamation aimed at uniting the Malays in the country.

Several leaders from PAS and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) had signed the proclamation in support of Dr Mahathir's call.

Meanwhile, Anwar also took a swipe at the Opposition for harping on the issue of race.

"I am Malay and I respect the Malay culture, tradition, rulers, language but that does not make me racist or deny the rights of others," he said.

Anwar said he was perplexed why the issue of race was still being debated when there are more pressing issues affecting the nation.

"I can’t understand why we are stuck; we are not talking about governance, economic advancement, or digital technology. We are stuck on who this country belongs to - the Malays or the Chinese or the Christians," he said.