PUTRAJAYA, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- Higher education institutions (IPT) are not just places to acquire knowledge but platforms to shape the morals, character, personality and sense of responsibility of the younger generation towards society and the nation, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said students must be trained to have the inner strength to uphold their principles and reject corruption and abuse of power when faced with temptations in the working world.
"Bear in mind, today you can speak up about abuse of power, corruption and so on. But tomorrow, when you become an administrative or district officer, a businessperson might come and offer a small token. Because you have been trained with strong principles, when offered a small bribe, (although) life is difficult, you will reject it.
"Then the bribe increases from RM500 to RM1,500. At that point, if it rises to RM2,000, your faith might waver. That is why this reminder is very important," he said in his speech at the 2026 National Student Figure Awards (ATSN) ceremony here today.
The Prime Minister stressed that higher education must shape individuals equipped with a strong foundation of faith, morals, character and identity, in addition to academic excellence.
He also called on the younger generation to have a high level of awareness to serve society and strive to correct systemic flaws.
"There must be an awakening, a new spirit among Generation Z, which is a high level of awareness.
"And I believe the desire to serve and defend the people's plight, to love goodness and hate corruption, must be instilled in the souls of the young," he said.
Anwar said the ability to distinguish right from wrong must also be instilled because knowledge alone does not guarantee a person's character and morals.
"Many highly educated individuals are involved if we read about the scandals exposed recently. Whether it is 1MDB, Felda or Tabung Haji, usually those involved are not uneducated. Almost all of them are graduates," he added.
Anwar said students must utilise available educational opportunities not only for personal gain but also to contribute to their families, society and the country.
"Make the best use of this opportunity to improve your understanding and cultivate good intentions to save our country.
"Look at those who receive these facilities, from various races and states. Safeguard this unity. The country's security must be guaranteed, but the country must also be elevated so that the disparities between races, regions, and the rich and poor can be closed," he said.
At the event tonight, the Prime Minister presented the National Student Figure Award to Mohamad Amar Aidid Mohd Zain from Universiti Utara Malaysia, and the Student Leadership Synergy Award to the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Students' Union.
Themed 'Gemerlapan Saujana', ATSN 2026 is a national strategic platform to recognise students and student bodies that demonstrate excellence and high impact on the community and nation.
The rebranding of ATSN 2026 from the Anugerah Tokoh Siswa (ATS) established in 2012, positions students not merely as association leaders in lecture halls and universities, but recognises them as strategic stakeholders ready to lead Malaysia's socio-economic development and sustainability agenda at the ASEAN and global levels.
-- BERNAMA