PUTRAJAYA, Aug 20 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has defended the appointment of M Kumar as the new director of Bukit Aman’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), emphasizing that race should not be a barrier to capable individuals serving in top government roles.

Speaking at the Finance Ministry’s monthly assembly, Anwar said Kumar’s appointment should be viewed through the lens of merit and professionalism, not racial identity.

“Most of the senior positions in the police force are still held by Malays, including the Inspector-General of Police, the Deputy Inspector-General, and other departmental heads,” he noted.

“The CID department itself is largely made up of Malay officers, but its head is an Indian. To me, that is not an issue. What matters is that the person is competent and can do the job well.”

Anwar also addressed ongoing narratives surrounding racial representation in government, particularly accusations that Malay dominance is being undermined in favour of other ethnic groups.

“Some are saying that Malay power is being eroded and handed over to the Chinese; this type of rhetoric will persist in a multi-ethnic society like ours,” he said.

“But if we truly want to save and move this country forward, we must guarantee justice for both the majority and the minority. We cannot afford a tyranny of the majority, nor of the minority. We must be fair and commit ourselves to addressing our weaknesses.” Anwar said.

M Kumar officially assumed the role of federal CID chief on August 8, succeeding Shuhaily Zain, who has been reassigned to lead the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency.

The appointment drew public attention after Badrul Hisham Shaharin, a Bersatu member, made a delayed congratulatory post on August 12.

In his post, he suggested that Kumar’s promotion signalled that Malaysia was beginning to embrace the concept of a “Malaysian Malaysia.”

Photo — Screen Grab PM Anwar Ibrahim Facebook