PM Anwar: Some Student Leaders Debate Better Than MPs

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 8: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has praised the intellectual caliber of Malaysia’s student leaders, saying some of them demonstrate stronger debating skills and reasoning than sitting Members of Parliament (MPs).

“Some of our student leaders debate better than our MPs,” Anwar said to laughter and applause during the closing ceremony of the Putrajaya Festival of Ideas 2025 on Thursday (Nov 7).

He encouraged the media to give more visibility to young voices through televised debates and public discussions, adding humorously, “Perhaps we could even invite them to debate in Parliament, maybe not in the main hall, but in the hall next to it, and hopefully the MPs will listen.”

Anwar emphasized the need to move away from shallow, divisive politics and cultivate a new generation of Malaysians who value intelligent discourse, ethics, and truth.

“Even in Parliament today, some debates are offensive, insulting other races and religions without offering constructive ideas. This is not healthy politics, and these are the ideologies we must move past,” he said.

The Prime Minister reminded students to use their freedom of thought to explore truth and innovation, rather than spreading misinformation or clinging to outdated beliefs.

“We are independent and sovereign, yet some minds remain rigid and resistant to new ideas and technologies,” he said. “Use your freedom of ideas to explore, innovate, and think critically.”

Reaffirming his commitment to accessible education, Anwar highlighted that the Madani government will begin offering free education to students from hardcore poor families starting next year, a historic first for Malaysia.

“Education should be free for everyone from preschool to university; that should be the way,” he said. “We will start by helping the hardcore poor, depending on our financial capacity. Starting next year, they will receive free education at all levels.”

The initiative aligns with Budget 2026’s announcement that the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) will provide full tuition coverage for students from poor and hardcore poor families studying in public universities.

Despite current fiscal challenges, Anwar said the policy represents a major step toward social equity and breaking the poverty cycle through education.

Organized by the Higher Education Ministry, the Putrajaya Festival of Ideas 2025 brought together thousands of university students, educators, and policymakers for a series of forums, exhibitions, and discussions focused on higher education, research, and innovation.