Degrees, doctorates do not make one virtuous, says Anwar

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized to young people, particularly Gen Z, that possessing a degree or doctorate does not guarantee one will refrain from corrupt activities. He urged future leaders to cultivate strong moral character alongside academic achievements to prevent abusing power, according to Bernama news agency reports.

Anwar pointed out that several individuals implicated in high-profile scandals, including the 1MDB investigation, the Felda controversy, and Tabung Haji issues, were individuals with substantial educational backgrounds. He clarified that "generally, those involved (in these scandals) are not uneducated. Almost all have degrees, and some have master's degrees, and PhDs."

During the 2026 National Student Figure Awards ceremony, Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir and Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli were present to receive Anwar's message. Anwar stressed the need to foster a passion for advocating others' rights and a resolute opposition to corruption from an early age, urging undergraduates to grasp challenges such as poverty, ethnic inequalities, and difficulties faced by those in lower socio-economic brackets.