Economic Empowerment Must Align with Cultural Strengthening : PM Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 (VoM): Malaysia’s economic empowerment must go hand in hand with strengthening culture and human values, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He stressed that economic development should not be viewed solely through a material lens but must also be rooted in holistic human development.
“Our core is economic empowerment, its capacity. But what we really want to develop is people. Economic empowerment must align with cultural empowerment. We must nurture human values and humanity and show respect for diversity, celebrating each other’s strengths,” Anwar said.
The Prime Minister was speaking at the launch of the Malaysia Cultural Festival 2025 at Titiwangsa Lake Gardens today. Also present were Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing; Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr. Zaliha Mustafa; and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
Anwar emphasized that culture is one of Malaysia’s greatest strengths and must be enhanced alongside values of respect and openness to diversity.
He cautioned against narrow views that reject pluralism. “If we begin to deny diversity, that is when seeds of division will take root,” he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted that while Malay culture and language form the foundation of the national identity, the rights of all communities to preserve their languages and traditions must be respected. He added that in today’s challenging global environment, Malaysians must also master multiple languages, including English.
He stressed that Malaysia’s cultural core lies in Malay culture as the national culture, but it has grown by embracing other ethnic traditions: Chinese, Indian, Iban, Kadazan, Murut, Melanau, Bajau, and more.
“All of this we embrace as Malaysian culture, the culture of Malaysian children. This is the true strength that will guarantee peace and continuity for our nation,” Anwar said.
Meanwhile, Tiong King Sing noted that Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity is a key asset that makes the country unique in the eyes of the world.
“During my working visits abroad, I often receive feedback that Malaysia is recognized internationally as a destination rich in cultural diversity and multi-ethnic heritage. This cultural wealth is not only a source of pride for Malaysians but a treasure valued globally,” he said.
He added that Malaysia recorded 24.5 million tourist arrivals between January and July 2025, a 16.8 percent increase compared with 21 million in the same period last year.
@Voice of Malaysia news