National Progress Must Be Guided By Compassion, Leaving No One Behind - PM Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s progress as a developing nation must be guided by empathy and compassion, ensuring that no citizen is left behind in accessing education and healthcare, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the humanitarian aspect forms the core of the MADANI Nation concept, which emphasises a balance between physical development and the cultivation of moral and ethical values among the people.
As such, he said the establishment of IJN University College reflects the ideal synergy between national expertise and excellence, serving not only as a world-class medical centre but also as a hub of knowledge dedicated to producing skilled, ethical, and compassionate professionals.
“Imagine a university college that integrates education and healthcare, both central to our national reform and development agenda. This country can truly rise to greatness through the quality of its education.
“This nation must be more caring, empathetic, and compassionate towards its people by ensuring that every citizen has access to proper medical treatment and healthcare,” Anwar said in his speech at the launch of IJN University College at the National Heart Institute (IJN) today.
Present were Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and IJN University College vice-chancellor and chief executive Prof Emerita Dr Durrishah Idrus.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said that economic success and administrative efficiency must never come at the expense of justice and social responsibility.
He stressed that national progress is meaningless if it excludes any segment of society, whether due to race, geography, or poverty.
“That is why such matters are frequently discussed in Cabinet meetings as we search for solutions. For instance, we recently added 1,500 new university placements, taking into account not only matriculation students but also outstanding Form Six students.
“I am confident that in the coming years, IJN University College will become one of the top choices for young Malaysians, as it brings together world-class expertise,” he said.
At the same time, Anwar cautioned that economic systems in key sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure must not burden the people, warning that inequities in these areas would only widen the gap of inequality and place additional pressure on citizens.
The Prime Minister said that while profit and efficiency are important, companies must also remain mindful of the welfare of workers and the needs of the poor.
“For example, a company may earn billions of ringgit in profits, yet the people are burdened by unreasonably high service costs. Such profits may benefit only a small group,” he said.
“While pursuing profits, companies must also think of the welfare of the people, their employees and the facilities they depend on, because among us, there are those most in need of help and support,” he added.
-- BERNAMA
