PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced an increase in funding for the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) to RM5mil this year, while urging young people to think critically and uphold moral principles when voicing their views.
Anwar said MBM played an important role in coordinating youth activities and mobilising youth associations under the Youth and Sports Ministry.
“MBM has a role in coordinating youth activities and mobilising youth associations under the Youth and Sports Ministry.
“So this year, I agreed to increase the allocation to a total of RM5mil,” he said when officiating the National Youth Day 2026 celebration in Negri Sembilan on Friday (May 15).
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of critical thinking among youths, saying they should not hesitate to criticise leaders, including himself.
“Young people must have critical thinking. If young people criticise a Prime Minister, that is okay, we must listen,” he said.
However, Anwar reminded youths that criticism should be guided by knowledge and morality.
“Young people need to gain knowledge, but they must also have moral principles,” he said.
Touching on current global challenges, Anwar said the world was facing various issues including unemployment, rising prices and tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, but stressed that the government would focus on matters within its control.
“There are many problems around the world now - unemployment, prices, Hormuz.
“What we can control, we control. Among countries, we have recorded achievements that I am very proud of,” he said.
Anwar also hit out at critics who claimed the country had no development and that the economy was collapsing.
“There are people who compare me to Abu Jahal and say there is no development and the economy is in ruins. This is idealism driven by lust and emotions,” he said.
He advised youths to continue speaking up, but to do so with proper ethical considerations.
“This is my message to young people - you may criticise, but do not forget the basic principles of moral consideration,” he added.
