Young People Must Understand Constitutional Principles, Preserve Unity - Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged the younger generation to understand the fundamentals of the Federal Constitution, including the position of the Malay language, Islam, Bumiputera rights and the institution of the Malay rulers, which underpin national unity and stability.

He said these principles were fixed (thabit) and non-negotiable, calling on young people to reject narrow racial narratives that could undermine the country.

“In religious terms, these principles are thabit, firmly established and cannot be dismantled. Some people muddy the issue with petty political rhetoric, suggesting that if a particular person comes to power, these principles will change. That is not possible. This reflects the wisdom of our nation's founders.

“Leaders such as the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, who helped shape and subsequently formalise an agreement known as our Constitution, set the foundation for this. We must therefore start from there,” he said.

He spoke at the Temu Anwar Bersama Wira Muda Negara @ PLKN 3.0 programme at the National Service Training Department's 515 training branch here today.

The event was the Prime Minister's first on-the-ground engagement with National Service Training Programme (PLKN) trainees since the scheme was reintroduced.

Meanwhile, Anwar said building a strong nation required mutual respect and appreciation of the country's religious and ethnic diversity.

“We have Muslims and non-Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and Hindus. (We must) learn to respect (one another). This country must survive as a great country if we learn to respect and appreciate each other. This is your (young people) responsibility,” he said.

Anwar said the country would be at risk if society adopted a permissive attitude and regarded corruption as an acceptable part of its culture.

He said PLKN had been strengthened through cooperation with the Malaysian Armed Forces and the Royal Malaysia Police to instil idealism, discipline and integrity among young people and help propel the country towards greater progress.

The Prime Minister also said history has shown that many countries that were initially independent and prosperous eventually declined and collapsed because of arrogant leadership and the normalisation of corruption.

“Corruption has become something people are willing to accept. They say, ‘Once you become Prime Minister, surely you have to be corrupt, otherwise you would be a fool.’ Some even say that becoming Prime Minister means having to amass wealth because that is simply the culture. This will destroy the country.

“Programmes such as PLKN are intended to instil a sense of purpose and confidence that the country must be safeguarded through principles and idealism. No country can be secure by tolerating or being permissive towards a deeply flawed system,” he added.

-- BERNAMA