Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia’s constitutional principles remain the nation’s foundation, regardless of leadership changes.

“Governments may come and go, but the constitutional framework remains our guide,” he said.

“When it comes to who should stand alongside the prime minister in government and the Cabinet, we must respect every community and every race.

“While Malaysians are majority Malay, we have always been clear that no community should be marginalised,” he said at the Communications Ministry’s monthly assembly here today.

Anwar, however, did not name any political party or community in his remarks.

Yesterday, Johor Barisan Nasional chief Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said he would rather be without a position than “sit at the same table” with DAP.

Onn Hafiz’s statement was later met with a sarcastic response from DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, who pointed out that Umno president and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi sits next to him during Cabinet meetings.

Anwar said in jest: “Can Teo Nie Ching sit next to Fahmi (Datuk Fahmi Fadzil)? Later it will become an issue,” he said.

Meanwhile, Anwar said in the heat of politics, people sometimes go too far as personal sentiments and convictions, shaped by their backgrounds and experiences, come into play.

He said, however, that attitudes devoid of humanity should be avoided, adding that no one chooses their race while still in the womb.

“We did not choose to be Malay, Chinese or Indian while still in the womb. We did not choose our race, our identity or the colour of our skin,” he said.

Anwar said in Islam, respecting diversity is a fundamental principle and that differences can sometimes create friction, which is why tolerance, patience, pluralism and acceptance of differing views are essential.

He said these differences go beyond opinion, which include race, language and skin colour.

“People often say that racial relations should be based on tolerance. But Islam places the standard even higher.

“One might relate it to becoming more knowledgeable. It means not merely tolerating differences in race, culture or identity, but truly knowing and understanding another person’s culture, language, customs and beliefs,” he said.

Anwar said in building a Madani nation, the government places strong emphasis on values and does not want a society where people harbour hatred based on race.

He said efforts to raise awareness and improve the art of effective communication require that these principles be upheld with wisdom and sound judgment.

“Even when we disagree or argue, we should do so with courtesy and good language.

“Life cannot always be free of disagreements, but when we argue, let it be with respect and dignity,” he said.