KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA January 24, 2026 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attended the Himpunan Gema Pendekar MADANI Zon Utara 2026 and the Kejuaraan Silat Terbuka Piala Pendekar Utama Negara Dato’ Dr. Raja Abdul Majid on Saturday, highlighting the event as a platform to elevate the nation’s rich cultural heritage and foster values rooted in Malay civilization.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Anwar expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the gathering, emphasizing that silat, the traditional Malay martial art, transcends physical self-defense or competition. “It is a school for character building that teaches strength with patience, courage with wisdom, and firmness grounded in manners, morals, and kindness,” he stated.
The Prime Minister underscored the historical significance of silat, noting how it has long imparted lessons in composure amid challenges, emotional control before action, and brotherhood as the foundation of strength. He described this as the philosophy of Malay civilization that rejects haste, upholds dignity, and places ethics at the core of leadership.
Anwar called for increased youth involvement in silat, not merely as inheritors of tradition but as a generation that understands discipline, appreciates human values, and elevates the nation’s cultural dignity in a challenging modern context. “Pendekar MADANI is a great trust to uplift the nation’s dignity through mastery of new knowledge, without sacrificing values, manners, and heritage,” he added, positioning it as a means for balanced human development, societal unity based on mutual respect, and empowerment of Malay identity rooted in history, morals, and civilization.
Photos from the event shared by the Prime Minister’s Office show Anwar in traditional attire, engaging warmly with participants and attendees at what appears to be a vibrant indoor venue filled with cultural displays and a large crowd. The gathering aligns with the Malaysia MADANI initiative, promoting community empowerment and cultural preservation.
This event follows similar initiatives in 2025, where Anwar allocated RM2 million to ignite the Pendekar MADANI spirit, coordinating silat activities in educational institutions to build national unity and discipline among the youth. The 2026 northern zone edition continues this momentum, focusing on the northern regions of Malaysia.
The Prime Minister’s participation drew positive reactions online, with supporters praising the promotion of cultural roots and youth engagement under the MADANI framework.
About The Author
