KUALA LUMPUR, September 8 2026, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged the younger generation not to merely remember the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein as a historical figure, but instead to rekindle the torch of his struggle and ideas in confronting the challenges of nation-building.
Anwar said efforts to honour the contributions of the country’s second Prime Minister must be accompanied by a deep understanding of his ideas, thinking and values, so that these can serve as key guides in addressing current challenges.
He stressed that figures such as Tun Abdul Razak should not be viewed merely as part of the historical record, as his ideas and struggles continue to hold value and relevance for generations today and in the future.
“This figure was no ordinary person, and he did not come and go as a simple historical tale. That is why it is our responsibility to keep the flame of his struggle burning brighter.
“Remembering a statesman is no easy task. It can uncover history, inspire a longing for change, rekindle a sense of what is right to serve as lessons and guidance. Not to bury the ashes of the dead, but to rekindle its flame,” he said when delivering a speech at the Remembering Statesman Tun Abdul Razak: “Architect of Nation-Building” programme at the Tun Abdul Razak Memorial here today.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil and National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
The Prime Minister said Tun Abdul Razak’s ideas and spirit of struggle must continue to be kept alive because the vision he left behind remains relevant as a guide for present and future generations, rather than being regarded merely as part of history.
He said the late statesman played an important role as a wise helmsman in developing the country after independence, at a time when Malaysia was facing various challenges, including racial tensions, the communist threat and a weak economic position.
“Statesmen like Tun Abdul Razak were very wise and astute helmsmen. He sought out and assessed individuals, placing his trust in figures from the public and private sectors and bringing out the best in them with integrity to help him,” he said.
Anwar also shared his personal experience as a university student who had interacted with Tun Abdul Razak at his official residence, Seri Taman, where the latter took seriously and assessed the views and concerns of young people at the time.
He said the experience showed Tun Abdul Razak’s openness to listening to the views of young people who took a firm stance and called for change, even though their views might have been somewhat hard-hitting.
More news to follow.
-BERNAMA
