PARIS: The youth have been urged to "save the country" by embracing change for the better, rejecting societal ills, and upholding values that make Malaysians proud.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the importance of youth in ensuring the representation of the weak, promoting good governance, combating corruption, and advocating for unity and harmony.
“I am a reformer and Malaysia has to change for the better. She must be rid of corruption. There are many youths here (in France) but consider coming home to help make that change,” he said to applause at a dinner with the Malaysian diaspora last night.
"I urge the youth here and Malaysian youth elsewhere to hold onto our values and be patient. And do send out the Malaysian message to the world," he added.
Anwar expressed the need for Malaysia to progress and unite as a nation of diverse races.
"This is important to me; otherwise, I cannot lead effectively. I need the people to trust me," Anwar said, adding: "We may have different shades of skin colour, but we have much in common. This, I speak with passion."
Earlier, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated that Malaysia is seeking to partner with France in modernising the Malaysian armed forces. He mentioned hopes of acquiring new assets, including littoral combat ships and helicopters, within the next two years.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said expressed satisfaction with the French Supreme Court's dismissal of multiple challenges by alleged heirs of the defunct Sulu sultanate, which negated the basis for a claim of US$15bil against Malaysia.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) revealed another court challenge on Monday (June 30), urging: "Pray for Malaysia, that the other side will pay the price for trying to attack us." This was met with thunderous applause from the 100-odd attendees.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan compared the role of ministers today to that of modern bankers.
"Bankers of old could afford to sit in their offices, attending to customers. Not anymore. Bankers today need to get out of the office and look for customers,” he said.
Highlighting Malaysia’s focus on trade and investment, he noted: "Ministers now need to go out and propagate bilateral relations. We need to fly our flags and make ourselves known. We cannot wait for interested parties to come knocking on our doors anymore."
