PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim quoted the renowned work of the great Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar while tabling the 2027 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat today
Anwar cited verse 731 from the Thirukkural to illustrate the characteristics of an exemplary nation—one that relies not merely on wealth and physical development, but is also underpinned by the knowledge, justice, and moral character of its people.
“Thallaa Vilaiyulum Thakkaarum Thaazhvilaach Chelvarum Servadhu Naadu.”
“It means that an exemplary nation is one with fertile land, a populace rich in knowledge and virtue, and abundant wealth—all without compromising on moral character,” he said while tabling the 2027 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat in Kuala Lumpur today.
According to Anwar, the philosophy put forward by Thiruvalluvar in ancient times remains relevant to nation-building today.
He stated that a nation's greatness should not be measured solely by an abundance of wealth or the construction of landmark structures.
“Clearly, Thiruvalluvar reminded us long ago that a nation's greatness does not rest merely on vast riches and landmarks.
“Rather, it is also anchored in wisdom, justice, and human nobility,” he said. – October 9, 2026
