Anwar’s use of derogatory ‘K’ word sparks debate in Malaysia on language, race and history

Anwar Ibrahim has apologised for his use of ‘keling’, a derogatory term for Malaysia’s Indian community, saying he was quoting a historical text

Some in the Indian community have slammed the PM’s apology, while others called for efforts to address the racism behind the word’s use

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A man walks past a decorative mural in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last month. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 5:01pm, 27 Dec 2023Updated: 6:11pm, 27 Dec 2023

The unguarded use of a racial slur by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim while addressing a university audience has whipped up debate over language, race and history in a nation whose multicultural make-up remains fragile.

In a speech on Thursday last week espousing the virtues of learning languages, Anwar praised the famed 15th-century polyglot admiral Hang Tuah, for speaking Malay and “Siamese”, as well as “the language of the Keling”, referencing the historic Kalinga region of eastern India.

Although keling was once a neutral term, it is now widely understood as a derogatory describer of Malaysia’s Indian community, and his comments immediately kicked off a storm of anger mainly from commentators and politicians of Indian descent.

Anwar Ibrahim pictured in November 2022. The Malaysian prime minister has apologised for his use of the word “keling” and says he did not mean to insult. Photo: AP

Anwar has since apologised, saying he was directly quoting a historical text and had no intention to insult.

“These days, the term keling is not seen favourably by many, so I do not use it. I was merely quoting the book,” Anwar told reporters at his official residence in Putrajaya on Saturday, addressing the backlash from his slip of the tongue.

“If there is a misunderstanding, I apologise. It is not my intention.”

While some prominent Indian leaders accepted Anwar’s apology, others including former Deputy Chief Minister of Penang P. Ramasamy rubbished the prime minister’s explanation.

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