KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today stressed that the true progress of a nation should not be measured solely by physical prosperity and infrastructure development, but also by the strength of knowledge, integrity, reason and values within society.
Speaking at the Monthly Assembly of the Ministry of Communications, Anwar said a developed nation must be built upon a knowledgeable and morally grounded society that upholds justice, truth and mutual respect.
He warned that societies with shallow knowledge and a lack of understanding of truth and justice are vulnerable to falling into ignorance, prejudice and misinformation.
“A society that does not seek knowledge, uphold principles of justice or practise courtesy in thought and action can easily be trapped in a cycle of ignorance and illiteracy,” he said.
The Prime Minister emphasised that in an era of rapid information sharing and evolving communication platforms, public discourse must be guided by wisdom, knowledge and good manners.
He noted that while freedom of speech is an essential democratic principle, it must be exercised responsibly and accompanied by moral accountability.
“Freedom of expression should be guided by ethical responsibility, while differences in opinion should never be used as an excuse to divide society or undermine the shared values of humanity that bind us together,” he said.
Anwar also reminded civil servants and stakeholders that the nation’s development agenda extends beyond economic growth and technological advancement.
According to him, Malaysia’s future success depends on its ability to cultivate a society that is knowledgeable, cultured, well-mannered and united in pursuing truth, justice and compassion.
He called on all parties to work collectively towards strengthening social cohesion and fostering a culture that values intellectual growth, integrity and mutual respect as the country moves forward.
— MINUTESMY
— SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM
