BANGI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today cautioned youths that a single mistake by the younger generation could send the country plunging into a state of dishonour.
In his message believed to be targeted at first-time voters in the upcoming state elections, Anwar reminded the younger generation to make the right choice by rejecting divisive politics and any elements of corruption and abuse of power.
"In a world that has become more challenging due to the rise of the social media, I hope the younger generations will make a good decision.
"This is because one mistake by a generation could punish the nation into a state of dishonour. I have faith in the strength of the country's younger generation.
"Believe me, if you can rise against these challenges, you will be able to change the landscape as well as ensure a better future for the country. I believe that all of you have the will to turn Malaysia into the greatest nation in the region," said Anwar in his speech at the launch of the rebranded Rakan Muda programme here today.
The success of the nation, said Anwar, was determined by the younger generation in the country.
"As the country turns more than six decades old, who will determine and subsequently navigate the country to greater heights?
"Certainly, the future of the country should not be decided by some dead wood with old-fashioned thinking who only knows to resort to creating disunity among the people.
"Those who will ensure peace in the country and forge stronger unity among the people, work towards saving the future of the country is none other than our younger generation," he said.
In the same speech, Anwar assured that his unity government would listen to the aspirations of the younger generation.
"The younger generation has had enough of preaching (from those who do not understand their needs and aspirations).
"They want ministries and the government to provide them with ample avenues to decide on the new programmes that they need to improve their welfare and livelihood.
"And this is the approach the Malaysia Madani government is adopting. We do not want old-fashioned and backwards thinking. We reject any forms of elements that create division among the people.
"We are all relatives irrespective if you are Malays, Chinese, Indians, Dayak or Kadazan," he said.
On the rebranded Rakan Muda programme, Anwar said the initiative provided a platform for the younger generation to come together and incalculate good values and promote greater sense of respect among each other.
"It is also a platform for the younger generation to loudly reject any elements of corruption, hypocrisy, abuse of power and disrespecting people from other religions," he said.