Anwar Says Leadership Requires Patience As He Defends UEC Stance Amid Political Criticism

KUALA LUMPUR,June,2026 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded community leaders that leadership requires patience, wisdom and commitment, especially when facing criticism and political attacks.

Speaking during an engagement session with heads of federal departments and the Federal Village Development and Security Committees (JPKKP) in Kedah at Universiti Teknologi MARA, Merbok, Sungai Petani, Anwar said leaders must remain focused on fulfilling the trust given by the people despite various accusations.

According to Anwar, developing the country is a difficult responsibility that requires patience and maturity. He said it is easy for people to criticise, insult or attack leaders, but those in positions of responsibility must continue working for the nation.

Anwar also defended his position amid criticism over the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) issue, saying he had been heavily criticised even though several political parties had previously supported recognition of the certificate.

He questioned why the issue was now being used against him, pointing out that parties such as PAS and Bersatu had also supported recognition of the UEC before.

The UEC issue has long been a sensitive topic in Malaysian education and politics. It is often discussed in relation to education recognition, national language policy, public university admission and equality of opportunity. Because of this, any statement involving UEC recognition tends to attract political reaction from different groups.

Anwar’s remarks suggest that he sees the criticism as politically motivated rather than based purely on education policy. He appeared to argue that some parties had changed their tone depending on political circumstances.

The Prime Minister said community leaders must be equipped with accurate information and know how to explain government policies to the public. In his view, leaders at the grassroots level play an important role in countering misinformation and ensuring people understand the government’s direction.

Anwar said he would not be distracted by personal attacks or insults. Instead, he stressed that his focus remains on the country’s economic development agenda and on reducing the burden faced by ordinary Malaysians.

He also highlighted his commitment to solving problems affecting the poor, saying that issues involving basic needs should not be delayed. Anwar gave examples such as damaged school toilets and leaking houses, saying the government must find solutions even if it means cutting ministers’ allowances.

His statement reflects one of the key themes of the Madani Government: prioritising basic public welfare while pushing forward broader national development. By mentioning school facilities and housing conditions, Anwar attempted to show that the government’s agenda is not only about large-scale economic plans, but also about everyday problems faced by citizens.

The event in Kedah was also attended by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari. Their presence highlighted the federal government’s engagement with local administrators and community leaders in the state.

In his speech, Anwar also reminded the public about the importance of protecting family institutions. He said families must be properly maintained and managed, while children should be equipped with skills in new fields and technologies so they can become better than previous generations.

The Prime Minister placed special emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and new technology. He said Malaysians must master AI and future skills, but this must be balanced with strong values, good morals and religious foundations.

Anwar said technological progress must not come at the cost of faith, ethics or morality. He warned that elements which could mislead society must be prevented, stressing that a nation cannot progress if it abandons moral and spiritual foundations.

This message is consistent with Anwar’s broader leadership narrative, which often combines economic development, social justice, education, values and governance. His remarks show that the government wants Malaysians to embrace modern technology while still maintaining ethical discipline.

From a political perspective, Anwar’s statement comes at a time when the government is facing criticism on several fronts, including education, economic management and coalition politics. His response suggests that he wants leaders and supporters of the Madani Government to remain calm, informed and focused instead of reacting emotionally to political attacks.

The UEC issue remains a challenging topic because it involves competing views on education recognition and national unity. Supporters often argue that recognition can benefit students and strengthen educational inclusivity, while critics raise concerns over national education policy and integration.

Anwar’s position appears to be that the matter should be discussed with fairness and consistency, especially given that some political rivals had previously expressed support for recognising the certificate.

His emphasis on patience also reflects the reality of governing a diverse country. Malaysia’s political landscape involves multiple communities, languages, education streams and policy expectations. Because of this, sensitive issues often require careful explanation and steady leadership.

The Prime Minister’s remarks to community leaders were therefore not only a defence of his UEC stance, but also a broader reminder about political discipline, communication and public service.

For grassroots leaders, Anwar’s message was clear: they must understand government policies, explain them properly and continue serving the people even when political noise becomes intense.

Overall, Anwar Ibrahim’s speech in Kedah highlighted three main points: leadership requires patience, government leaders must stay focused on helping the people, and Malaysia must prepare for the future through technology while preserving values and morality.

Despite criticism over the UEC issue, Anwar said his administration will continue prioritising national development, economic progress and support for the poor.