Malaysia: Malaysia will not become a great and developed nation if its people remain trapped in outdated thinking that breeds hatred among one another, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. He emphasized the need for Malaysians, particularly the younger generation, to reject divisive and racial politics and unite as a driving force for change to elevate the nation's standing.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar stated, "Malaysia cannot become a great and developed nation if we remain trapped in outdated thinking that sows hatred among one another." He urged youths to rise as a formidable force, drive change, and uplift the dignity of all people in the country. The Prime Minister made these remarks while officiating the closing ceremony of National Training Week (NTW) 2026 at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Permatang Pauh.
Present at the event were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. Anwar highlighted that the MADANI Government adopts an approach of resolving societal issues through dialogue and inclusive policies, rather than inciting divisions among the people.
He further stressed that Malaysia's future depends on the younger generation's commitment to enhancing their knowledge, skills, and discipline, while working together to enable the country to achieve greater success regionally and globally. Anwar encouraged youths to seize the training and skills enhancement opportunities provided by the government to improve their employability and earning potential, ensuring the nation maintains a highly skilled workforce.
The government, through the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) and the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), will continue expanding training opportunities, including reskilling and upskilling programs, to help Malaysians secure better jobs and higher incomes. Anwar also urged youths to fully engage in National Training Week (NTW) by exploring a wide range of training opportunities and providing feedback to strengthen the country's skills development programs.
Meanwhile, Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, noted that Malaysia's economy remains resilient despite global economic uncertainties. This resilience is driven by ongoing economic reforms and government measures to shield the population from rising living costs. He cited recent achievements such as the ringgit emerging as Asia's best-performing currency, record-high investments, and robust economic growth.