Anwar: Knowledge, not anger, must drive the nation forward

In a recent address, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that a nation's progress should be driven by knowledge rather than anger. He stressed that a strong struggle requires not only spirit and emotion but also the foundation of knowledge, which can raise public awareness and foster a sense of responsibility. Anwar cited the late Ustaz Fadzil Noor, who reminded Malaysians that the Islamic cause requires more than a surge of sentiment; it must be fortified by awareness and responsibility.

Speaking at the 3 Generations Appreciation Dinner, Anwar highlighted the importance of strengthening the Madani nation with knowledge, which serves as the cornerstone for building a robust nation. The event gathered over 2,000 members of the Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement, Persatuan Wadah Pencerdasan Umat Malaysia, and the National Union of Malaysian Muslim Students.

Anwar stressed that societal change should be grounded in conviction, idealism, and noble aspirations, steering away from supremacy, racism, or incitement. He further underscored that being a Muslim does not ensure a deep understanding of Islam, and that movements, associations, and organizations in the Islamic sphere do not guarantee the revival of the spirit of Islam beyond mere enthusiasm and rhetoric.

Anwar's personal experiences in the Islamic movement taught him that a successful struggle must be built on conviction and the will to act, rather than on social media support, votes, or acceptance. He urged that the pursuit of Allah's blessings and pleasure should be the ultimate goal. Anwar also highlighted the importance of knowledge, usrah, and the integration of new ideas to foster public understanding in a country marked by diverse ethnicities and religions.

He advocated for investing in education and mastering emerging knowledge, including artificial intelligence (AI), while not overlooking fundamental aspects like faith and morality. He cautioned that aspiring to the sky while neglecting one's roots could weaken the formation of a strong Nation-State.