KUALA KANGSAR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has slammed the hypocrisy of certain Western powers, which present themselves as champions of human rights, yet remain silent on injustices unfolding before the world.
Anwar said that having advanced knowledge in science and technology will not benefit society if it deviates from moral principles, ethics, and humanitarian values.
"The world does not lack intelligent people who create all kinds of advanced technology, aircraft and weapons. But their wars are destructive - they kill, oppress and colonise other nations without conscience.
"Most recently, Iran. Imagine how easily Israel makes decisions… the United States supports it, and the world remains largely silent, due to strong Western influence.
"I tell my friends and the younger generation that Malaysia remains among the few countries which uphold the spirit of independence, and have the courage to state that such attacks are violent, uncivilised and inhumane," he said.
He said this at the 'Temu Anwar' programme with the community of the Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK), here, on Saturday (April 4).
Also present were Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, her deputy Wong Kah Woh, and Perak Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah.
Meanwhile, Anwar said that the erosion of public confidence stems from a deficit of trust in the system and political leadership that behaves hypocritically.
"A clear example is world leaders in other countries - they speak about peace but attack other nations. They talk about human rights yet allow people, including young children, to be killed every day. This is a contradiction in terms, sheer hypocrisy.
"And if this is the hallmark of politicians, it is no wonder the people are uneasy. That is why, in our country, we must have the readiness to bring about change," he said when responding to a student's question on how a leader can uphold moral principles and integrity while facing political pressure, party interests, pragmatic demands and other challenges in making decisions for the country.
The Prime Minister said that change for the better does not happen overnight and may take time, adding that the government is now taking firm action against corruption and abuse of power in accordance with due process.
"Are we able to completely wipe it out? No, because it has been systemic over the years… Are we perfect? No. There are also wealthy individuals who are corrupt and use social media to attack us.
"And when we take action, we are accused of being vindictive. So it is not easy. Taking such action is never simple, but while people may criticise - and I do not deny that - we need time (to combat corruption)," he said.
At the same time, Anwar also criticised parties who deliberately distort his previous remarks regarding fuel prices.
"Look at the situation now, when oil prices have surged, they repeat my statement, 'Today I win, tomorrow oil prices will drop.'
"That statement was made when oil prices in Saudi Arabia were 50 sen, but now ours is RM1.99, still among the lowest in the world, only slightly higher than Brunei," he said.
