PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's social contract when it gained independence was not to be a wholly Malay land but a multi-religious and multi-racial country, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the real narrative on the ground, however, had become toxic with racial slurs and devoid of the noble values ingrained in the Federal Constitution.
The Prime Minister also warned youths to realise that "not all information is knowledge" as advanced technology made it impossible to censor or filter all information from reaching the public.
Anwar said this at an engagement session, "Temu Anwar Bersama Wira Muda Negara @ National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0", in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (Nov 14).
At the event, youths asked Anwar questions about his past experiences and advice for success.
"There are countries after independence which were not able to succeed. We must realise why those countries succeeded and why others failed post-independence.
"This country must survive as a great country, but that will only happen when we learn to respect each other. My wearing Indian attire for a Deepavali function is because I am confident of my religion and race," he said.
He also stated that corruption had become part of the political culture and it was time to eliminate it.
"To idolise those who are corrupt is not teaching the young anti-corruption," said Anwar.
Anwar also said that although Malaysia disagreed with the policies of other countries such as the United States and China, Malaysia's interests remained the priority in staying civil and in doing business.
"We have maritime border problems with many Asean countries, but we do not go to war. Yet, we will defend every inch of our land," said Anwar.
The programme, held at the National Service Training Department (JLKN) Training Branch, Camp 515, Kuala Lumpur, involved 236 female trainees from PLKN 3.0 Series 4/2026.
The session was also broadcast live to seven other PLKN camps nationwide, involving 1,663 trainees.
Also in attendance were National Service Training Department (JLKN) director-general Major General Datuk Marzuki Mokhtar, Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, deputy secretary-general (policy) Datuk Mohd Yani Daud and deputy secretary-general (management) Datin Roszanina Wahab.
National Service Training Council chairman Gen (Rtd) Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal and National Institute of Public Administration director-general Datuk Dr Roslan Hussin were also present.
