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Nation needs knowledge, not just emotion, says Malaysian PM Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has cautioned that social movements and national endeavours cannot be sustained by passion and anger alone, emphasizing the critical role of intellectual foundation and public education.

LSN Malaysia · 26 September 2026

Nation needs knowledge, not just emotion, says Malaysian PM Anwar

Anwar Ibrahim warned that any national cause risks faltering if propelled solely by emotional fervour, stressing instead the importance of grounding movements in robust intellectual frameworks. The Prime Minister's comments underscore his belief that genuine social progress requires more than popular sentiment and public anger to achieve lasting change. Speaking on the matter, Anwar highlighted that successful national initiatives must be underpinned by knowledge and understanding capable of fostering genuine public awareness and moral conviction among citizens. He argued that without such intellectual scaffolding, even well-intentioned movements risk losing momentum and direction over time. The Prime Minister's remarks reflect a broader philosophy that sustainable nation-building depends on educating the populace and cultivating informed, conscious participation in civic and social matters rather than relying on temporary waves of public emotion.