Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged the country to build society on knowledge and reflection rather than emotional slogans, racial supremacy or incitement. He spoke at the “3 Generasi: Menyambung Legasi Perjuangan” (“Three Generations: Continuing the Legacy of Struggle”) appreciation dinner, attended by more than 2,000 members of ABIM, WADAH and the National Union of Malaysian Muslim Students, PKPIM. His wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and Minister for Religious Affairs Dr Zulkifli Hasan were also present.
Anwar recalled the late Islamic leader Ustaz Fadzil Noor, his friend, and the lesson that a movement cannot rise on emotion alone: it needs knowledge that awakens understanding and reflection. In discussing the MADANI vision, Anwar said change should be grounded in confidence and the aim of raising the nation’s dignity, not racial politics or provocation.
He said being born Muslim does not guarantee a deep understanding of Islam and called for stronger learning traditions, usrah study circles and the exchange of new ideas. His experience in Islamic movements, he said, taught him to base collective work on conviction and readiness to act, not only on support, votes or social-media approval. Ultimately, he said, the aim is to seek God’s blessing and strengthen the community.
Anwar also urged Malaysians to pursue new knowledge, including artificial intelligence, without neglecting faith and moral character. He warned that technological ambition without firm roots could leave national development unbalanced, particularly in a country with diverse communities.