‘Why restrain them?’ Anwar says students must be free to speak, think critically

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of allowing young Malaysians to speak freely and think critically during a meet-and-greet session at the Teacher Education Institute (IPG) Tuanku Bainun campus. The 18-year-old students, already entitled to vote, should be encouraged to discuss issues and express their views, he argued. Anwar dismissed the rationale for restricting their freedom, stating that not all opinions would be correct, but they should be educated with love.

The Prime Minister addressed the challenges of political life and the role of young people in shaping national policies, including education policy. He expressed his disagreement with the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971, which restricted university students' freedom. Anwar abolished the act, aiming to provide students with the space to speak freely and foster creativity, critical judgment, and independent views.

Suppressing students' views, he argued, would weaken society's ability to evaluate political claims and public policies. Instead, political leaders should guide society through facts and knowledge, rather than invoking racial or communal sentiments. Anwar stressed the need for aspiring politicians to possess integrity, courage, and a genuine desire to serve the public's interests.

He urged young people to enter politics out of love for their country and confidence in Malaysia's future, emphasizing that politics should not be driven by personal gain.