Anwar Confident Youth Can Represent Majority In Defending Truth, Justice

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 10 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed confidence in the ability of the youth to represent the majority in defending truth and upholding justice.

He said youth must be the mouthpiece for the voices of the people of various races to defend their fate.

"This country is governed by the rule of law, has constitutional principles and commitment towards the majority of the people because many still lack proper representation.

"So, my message is to pick (leaders) from among you who embody this spirit, find young leaders, not corrupt and lazy leaders, and these leaders must have the courage … to stand against injustice,” he said.

He said this at the launch of the 73rd Annual General Assembly of the Malaysian Youth Council at Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre today.

Anwar said young people have a uniqueness, namely idealism and a strong spirit, to bring change thus focusing efforts to resolve issues that are a burden to the people.

He said if youths are apathetic and tolerant of embezzlement, then they risk falling into such groups and losing touch with the needs of the people.

"There are still many impoverished people, the quality of education remains unresolved, young people in rural or remote areas have yet to get proper representation, so focus on these issues, (and) develop our country.

"There is no need to dwell on trivial matters, (or) defend corruption. I'm upset with billionaires (for being involved) in corruption (but) there are many voices, in the name of Malays (as well as) Islam, that defend these big shots by slamming me,” he said.

Meanwhile, Anwar said the recent official visits by several foreign leaders, including Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, showed that Malaysia is becoming more prominent due to the development and investment recorded by the country.

"Just yesterday, the Indonesian President (Prabowo Subianto) also paid a brief visit as a friend (to state his desire) to forge close cooperation between our two countries (where) he came for just a few hours, had lunch and discussed issues of mutual interests.

"The visit by Prime Minister (Shigeru) Ishiba, meanwhile, was his first since bilateral becoming Japan's Prime Minister and he chose Malaysia as his first country to visit… he (Ishiba) has made multilateral visits but for his bilateral visit, he chose Malaysia,” he said.

Ishiba arrived in Malaysia yesterday for a two-day official visit, marking his first trip to the country since assuming office last October.

Anwar said he was not trying to boast by pointing this out but to highlight the successes the nation has achieved so far.

-- BERNAMA