MERSING, Sept 13 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysian unity will be guaranteed if Malay and Muslim rights are defended without sidelining other Malaysians.
“If we want to guarantee unity, the rights of this country’s majority of Malays and Muslims must be defended. But this country also has to guarantee the rights of all citizens — Chinese, Indians, Orang Asli, Dayak and Kadazan,” he said at the Meet Anwar segment at the Johor Scouts general assembly here today.
On the role and responsibility of youth as leaders and heirs of the country, Anwar said this group must be given the utmost space, training and opportunities to hone their discipline and skills.
“If the young people are fully trained and disciplined, our future is more assured. Who will be the heirs? The youth. Who will determine the future? (The youth),” he said.
Touching on Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship, Anwar said the country has focused on the agenda of peace, digital connectivity and regional energy that can strengthen ties between members.
Anwar also welcomed proposals to hold an Asean scouts gathering to strengthen youth collaboration in the region, adding that the scouts’ movement will remain relevant as the basic values it fosters are humanity and compassion.
“It (scouting) was relevant 100 years ago, it will be relevant in the next 100 years, unless humans lose their humanity. As long as humans remain human, groups that foster these human values or humanitarian values will continue to remain relevant.
“The only thing is, of course, the skills (of scouts) those days did not include digital or AI (artificial intelligence). Now, we need those skills, but it (scouting) never loses sight of its two pillars. What are they? Humanity and compassion,” Anwar said.
