Anwar stresses importance of balancing economy and moral values
PUTRAJAYA: Economic development must be balanced with knowledge and moral values, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said while the country strives for growth, it must also build a strong foundation of languages, culture and ethics.
“What’s the point of empowering the economy when leaders misuse their powers?
“Sometimes power obscures our sight. With power, we are enticed by wealth,” he said during the Madani nationhood seminar here on June 18.
Anwar added that with a balanced approach to national development, leaders should practice restraint in the pursuit of accumulating wealth and play their roles responsibly and honestly.
“They should also work against the abuse of power to accumulate wealth. This is my duty, as the money belongs to the rakyat.
“The money should be returned to the rakyat so that we can solve issues faced by the people.”
He also said that while the use of other languages is being emphasised, it did not mean that Bahasa Malaysia should be sidelined.
“It’s not a zero-sum game. It doesn’t mean that when we talk about empowering other language skills, Bahasa Malaysia is being forgotten,” he added.
Anwar also said the Cabinet had discussed the problem of drugs and vaping among schoolchildren, urging everyone to play their role in finding solutions.
“Please discuss what are the best ways to resolve this problem,” he said, adding that drugs have been a perennial issue.
Themed ‘Guru Pemangkin Patriotisme Negara’ (Teachers are the Catalyst of Patriotism), the seminar was organised by Akademi Kenegaraan Malaysia of the Prime Minister’s Office.
About 1,000 educators, including retired teachers, working teachers and students attended the event.
Anwar called on retirees to continue to fight for the country, beyond their retirement age.
“We should be strong and keep working hard to elevate the dignity of the country and its people.
“We inherited a rich culture and civilisation, and our children must continue to gain the knowledge to make our country great,” he added.
Earlier, Anwar attended an open house in conjunction with the Gawai Festival, hosted by the Works Ministry.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
Gawai is an annual festival celebrated in Sarawak to mark the end of the rice harvesting season.
