KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA February 27, 2026 — Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysians not to be distracted by minor controversies, including sensitive religious and racial sentiments, and to instead focus on strengthening the national economy and securing a brighter future for the younger generation.
In a video statement posted on his official X account (@anwaribrahim) on Thursday, Anwar emphasised that excessive attention on “small issues” risks diverting national focus from critical development agendas.
“Kadangkala negara ini terlalu diheret dengan isu-isu kecil, termasuk perkara sensitif dan sentimen perkauman, hingga kita terleka daripada agenda yang lebih besar,” he said.
“Without a strong economy and increasing investments, the future of our youths — their employment and education — will be affected,” he added.
Anwar expressed confidence in Malaysia’s vast potential, stressing the importance of unity, hard work and collective effort to elevate the nation.
“Saya yakin, dengan sikap dan tekad yang betul, potensi Malaysia amat besar dan masa depan kita akan cerah. Yang penting, kebersamaan kita, bekerja dengan tekun dan mengangkat martabat negara menjadi sebuah negara hebat untuk seluruh rakyat,” he said.
The remarks were delivered during the Gabungan Pertubuhan Cina Malaysia (Huazong) Chinese New Year 2026 celebration and come amid heightened public debate following a recent incident at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), where a student was remanded after allegedly posting images of stepping on the Al-Quran on social media. The act has drawn strong condemnation from the government and the public.
Anwar’s call aligns with the Madani government’s push for national unity and economic progress, urging all Malaysians to work together for the country’s long-term prosperity.
The full video statement is available on Anwar Ibrahim’s X account.
