PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed that the true foundation of a developed nation lies not merely in economic growth or technological mastery, but in the cultivation of human values such as dignity, discipline, and compassion.
Addressing over 4,000 young people at the 27th Johor Scouts General Assembly (PAPJ27) at Tanjung Leman Beach, Anwar said that Malaysia’s aspirations as a MADANI nation must remain rooted in nurturing what he called karamah insaniyah — the dignity of man.
“We take pride in knowledge and excellence in education, and we take pride in skills — but we should be prouder still in nurturing karamah insaniyah,” he said.
“Malaysia rightly wants to drive economic growth and master digital technologies, new energy and AI. But what we aim to cultivate above all is the human soul,” he continued. “Humans cannot be shaped solely by machines. They are shaped by values — by character, discipline, and empathy towards friends, family, classmates, and all communities of different races and faiths in this country.”
The Prime Minister praised the scouting movement for embedding those very ideals into young people, describing its mission as timeless.
“The Scouts were relevant 100 years ago, and they will still be relevant 100 years from now — unless humanity loses its sense of humanity. As long as people remain human, organisations that nurture humanistic and compassionate values will remain relevant,” he said.
Anwar also announced a RM100,000 allocation for the Scouts Association of Malaysia to support the current camp programme, promising it would be approved by Monday.
“If we want to guarantee unity, this country with its Malay-Muslim majority must defend their rights. But this country must also ensure the rights of all citizens — Chinese, Indians, Orang Asli, Dayak, and Kadazan,” he said.
He added that Malaysia’s strength lies in its inclusive spirit and respect for every citizen, regardless of background.
Anwar used the platform to call for greater environmental awareness, urging young people to uphold Islamic principles of compassion towards all creation.
“We destroy the forests with impunity, without compassion. This is not the way of the faith,” he said.
On youth leadership, he said young Malaysians must be empowered through proper training and opportunities, describing them as the future custodians of the nation.
“If our youth are well-trained and disciplined, our future is more secure. Who will inherit the country? The youth. Who will shape its future? The youth,” he said.
As Malaysia prepares to chair ASEAN, Anwar highlighted regional peace, digital connectivity, and energy cooperation as key priorities. He also welcomed the idea of an ASEAN Scouts gathering to further strengthen ties between the region’s young people.
PAPJ27 runs until 17 September and brings together scouts from across Malaysia, as well as international contingents from Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and beyond, in a celebration of discipline, unity, and cross-border friendship. - September 13, 2025
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