Malaysia to Pursue Economic Growth Without Compromising Human Values, Says Anwar

BUTTERWORTH, Sept 16 (VoM): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed that Malaysia’s economic progress will continue to be driven by comprehensive reforms while ensuring that culture, morals, and human values remain central to the nation’s development.

Speaking at the 2025 Malaysia Day Celebration at the PICCA-Butterworth Arena Convention Centre, Anwar stressed that while advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), digitalization, and energy transition were vital, they must not come at the expense of human dignity.

“We want to make progress in the economy, but we must also be culturally and morally advanced. We want to achieve in AI, digitalization, and energy transition, but without losing our human values,” he said in his keynote speech.

Anwar highlighted that one of the government’s key challenges is ensuring that economic growth translates into tangible improvements in the people’s well-being. He pointed to Penang’s early role in developing high-tech industries, which later expanded to the Kulim Hi-Tech Park in Kedah and the Kerian Integrated Green Industry Park (KIGIP) in Perak.

He noted Johor’s emergence as a major economic powerhouse, particularly in the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector. According to first-quarter data, Johor led the nation in attracting investments, bolstered by the Federal Government’s policies, including the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.

Turning to East Malaysia, Anwar said Sarawak has become a strong contender as a regional energy hub, driven by green energy initiatives and high-tech industrial investments. “Just imagine, 30 or 50 years ago, things were different. Today, Sarawak can compete with states in the Peninsula,” he said.

On Sabah, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the state has significant growth potential. He added that if its development continues on track and strong federal-state cooperation is maintained, Sabah could record the nation’s highest economic growth by 2026.

Also in attendance at the celebration, themed “Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni,” were Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas representing Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya representing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

This year’s Malaysia Day celebration is hosted in Penang, in line with the annual rotation of venues between Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia.