PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on practitioners of silat to embed strong moral values, religious principles and faith in their efforts to preserve and expand the traditional martial art, particularly among younger generations.
He said silat practitioners must strengthen bonds of brotherhood and revive the spirit of struggle as a defining identity in the practice of the discipline, while recognising Malaysia’s multiracial and multi-religious character.
“We do not intend to be hostile towards anyone, but what we practise is meant to strengthen our identity. I stress here, this is my understanding of the spirit of the warrior that we are pioneering,” he said.
“What is taught in silat is moral conduct, faith and belief that become our strength. What is this strength? A strength based on conviction, but one that must be reflected and expressed through good character,” he added.
Anwar was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Gema Pendekar MADANI Northern Zone Gathering held here on Saturday night.
He also cautioned silat practitioners against arrogance and pride arising from their physical skills or mastery of martial knowledge, stressing that such traits run contrary to the true values of the art.
According to Anwar, the knowledge acquired through silat should be used for the greater good, and practitioners must continuously enhance their understanding in line with the rapid changes of the modern world.
“Not arrogance, not pride, not showing off just because we have had some training. Why is that? Because of character. Character is what shapes who we are and our personal identity,” he said.
“The more intelligent, the greater the warrior, the more advanced the training, the stronger and more powerful the individual, the more we should respect and honour others, the more humble we should be, the more modest and grounded,” he added.
At the same time, Anwar emphasised that noble values within silat must be instilled among young practitioners who will one day become the next generation of national warriors.
“That is why children in schools must study. A person who is skilled in silat, who is involved in the Pendekar MADANI silat movement, must also excel in school, be knowledgeable and demonstrate outstanding academic results,” he said.
“Children must understand that the world is changing. There must be strength in knowledge, there must be an understanding of technology, and there must be awareness of all these new developments,” he added.
If you wish, I can also tighten this into an international culture brief, or reframe it for an education or youth-development angle. - January 25, 2026
