Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said national unity in Malaysia can only be guaranteed if the rights of the Malay Muslim majority are safeguarded, without denying the rights of other ethnic groups who are also citizens.
He stressed that this principle has always been the foundation of unity in the country.
“If we want to guarantee unity, this country has a Malay-Muslim majority, and their rights must be protected. But at the same time, the nation must also ensure the rights of all citizens, including the Chinese, Indians, Orang Asli, Dayaks, and Kadazans,” Anwar said during the Temu Anwar session held in conjunction with the 27th Johor Scouts General Assembly (PAPJ27) on Saturday.
Touching on the role of youth as future leaders and inheritors of the nation, Anwar emphasized the need to provide them with space, training, and opportunities to build discipline and skills.
“If young people are well-trained and disciplined, our future is more secure. Who will be the inheritors? The youth. Who determines the future? The youth,” he said.
On Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair this year, the Prime Minister noted that the country is prioritizing agendas on peace, digital connectivity, and regional energy, all aimed at strengthening ties among member nations.
He also welcomed the proposal to host an ASEAN Scouts gathering, describing it as a platform to enhance youth cooperation across the region.
Anwar added that the scouting movement remains relevant through the ages because of its core values of humanity and compassion.
“It was relevant 100 years ago, and it will remain relevant 100 years from now—unless humanity itself is lost. As long as people remain human, organizations that cultivate values of humanity and compassion will remain significant.
“Of course, scouting today must evolve. In the past, it didn’t involve discussions about digitalization or AI. Now we talk about that. But its foundation remains the same: humanity and compassion,” he said.
