Credit : Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's X
SHAH ALAM, November 7, 2026 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Saturday that a nation’s development should not be measured solely by grand buildings, skyscrapers, technological progress or a flood of investment, but by its success in shaping people of good character and noble values.
He was speaking at the official opening of the National Family Month 2026 (Sambutan November Bulan Keluarga Kebangsaan 2026) at the Selangor International Trade Centre in Shah Alam, an event also attended by his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
“I stress that the family is the foundation of society and the backbone of the nation’s strength,” Anwar wrote in a post on X after the event. He said the idea of “menggapai di langit, mengakar di bumi” (reaching for the sky, rooted in the ground) should guide the education of young people so that they can master technology and new knowledge without being uprooted from values, manners, compassion and noble character.
Anwar said the MADANI government would continue to strengthen policies and initiatives that uplift family well-being, including the welfare of mothers and children, care facilities, support for persons with disabilities and recognition of the role of caregivers.
In his speech, according to TV3’s Buletin TV3, he said the responsibility for educating children should not be left entirely to schools but must be shared by parents. “There is no shortcut to success in education and in life,” he was quoted as saying, describing the building of strong families as a collective effort that requires everyone’s awareness.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office transcript of the speech, Anwar told the audience that issues raised at the weekly Cabinet meeting, from child abuse and bullying to mental health and problems faced by children at school, often involve the family, and that he had directed Treasury officials to take such issues into account when preparing the budget.
He also congratulated Nancy and her ministry on organising the celebration and praised her continued commitment to championing the well-being of women, especially mothers, and strengthening the family institution.
“I am confident that the effort to build a great nation must begin with building happy families, because it is from the family institution that the generation that will determine the face and future of the nation is born,” he wrote.
Source: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s X post, November 7, 2026; Prime Minister’s Office speech transcript; The Star (Bernama) and Buletin TV3.
Source post: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on X | Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/11/07/building-a-great-nation-begins-with-happy-families-says-anwar
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