MARA at 60 Must Champion Fair Opportunity, Not Just Celebrate Legacy – PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the 60th anniversary of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) should not be viewed as a routine institutional milestone, but as a profound reflection of Malaysia’s long journey in balancing merit, justice, and social responsibility. In a statement today, Anwar stressed that MARA’s legacy represents more than six decades of policy—it embodies the nation’s ongoing effort to build a more inclusive future. “The debate on affirmative action has never subsided. It is often reduced to narrow and simplistic arguments,” he said, noting that criticisms rooted in pure meritocracy—such as those associated with American economist Thomas Sowell—should not be adopted uncritically without considering Malaysia’s unique socio-economic realities. Anwar argued that perspectives emphasizing unrestricted competition risk overlooking structural inequalities. Drawing from the tradition of economist John Kenneth Galbraith, he said social justice is not merely rhetorical but a structural necessity to prevent communities from being trapped in cycles of marginalisation. “Justice must be upheld not to deny merit, but to correct longstanding imbalances. Without principled intervention, meritocracy risks becoming a tool that legitimises inequality rather than resolving it,” he added. Referencing philosopher John Rawls’ concept of “justice as fairness,” Anwar questioned the validity of demanding equal competition without first ensuring equal access. “How can we expect fair competition between elite urban schools and students in remote areas such as Kapit, Manik Urai, Hulu Kelantan or Hulu Pahang, without first guaranteeing equitable opportunities and foundations?” he said. Anwar concluded that justice must ultimately manifest through equal opportunity, reaffirming MARA’s continued role as a vehicle for empowerment—particularly in education, entrepreneurship, and social mobility. “MARA must continue to uplift every child of the nation, regardless of background or geography, so they may rise with dignity and strong competitiveness,” he said. -- Minutes MY --Credit: FB Anwar Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the 60th anniversary of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) should not be viewed as a routine institutional milestone, but as a profound reflection of Malaysia’s long journey in balancing merit, justice, and social responsibility. In a statement today, Anwar stressed that MARA’s legacy represents more than six decades […]

Malaysia Calls For Peaceful Resolution To West Asia Conflict – PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia maintains its stance that all disputes in West Asia must be resolved through peaceful means to ease escalating tensions in the region, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said dialogue, diplomacy and close cooperation among nations remained the only way forward to de-escalate tensions and restore stability, in line with humanitarian imperatives and the principles of universal justice. Anwar said this in a Facebook post after holding telephone conversations with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, Prince Salman Hamad Al Khalifa, and the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed Zayed Al Nahyan, today. “I expressed deep concern over the prolonged tensions and their implications for regional security and the well-being of the people, while also conveying condolences over the loss of lives and damage to property resulting from the retaliatory attacks,” he said. Apart from discussing regional security issues, Anwar said he and the two leaders also exchanged Aidilfitri greetings and expressed hope for the well-being, peace and prosperity of their respective nations. Regional tensions have continued to escalate since the United States (US) and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran on Feb 28. Tehran responded by launching drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq and Gulf states hosting US military assets, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage, in addition to disrupting global markets and the aviation sector.

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia maintains its stance that all disputes in West Asia must be resolved through peaceful means to ease escalating tensions in the region, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said dialogue, diplomacy and close cooperation among nations remained the only way forward to de-escalate tensions and restore stability, in line […]

Anwar Urges PKR Members To Strengthen Reform Agenda At Sarawak Convention

KUCHING — Anwar Ibrahim has called on members and leaders of People’s Justice Party (PKR) to remain steadfast in strengthening the party’s reform agenda and commitment to justice for all Malaysians. Speaking at the JUSTICE Mini Convention and officiating the party’s Sarawak Branch Annual General Meeting, Anwar said the gathering with party members was important […]