Anwar: Two of Razak’s ‘3Cs’ still threaten nation

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed that communalism and corruption remain critical challenges in Malaysia, while the militant communist threat identified by Tun Abdul Razak Hussein has largely faded. He urged the younger generation to uphold Razak’s vision of social restructuring and poverty eradication, emphasizing the continued relevance of policies like the New Economic Policy to promote equitable development.

KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has highlighted the enduring relevance of two out of the three challenges once identified by Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, Malaysia’s second prime minister. Speaking at an event commemorating Razak’s legacy, Anwar emphasized that communalism and corruption remain significant issues for the country, while the militant communist threat that Razak warned about has largely dissipated.

The event, titled "Remembering Statesman Tun Abdul Razak: Architect of National Development and Nation-Building," was held at the Tun Abdul Razak Memorial and organized by the National Unity Ministry in collaboration with the National Archives and the Tun Razak Foundation. It seeks to raise awareness of Razak’s contributions and ideas among present and future generations.

Anwar underscored Razak’s caution regarding corruption, noting the former leader’s observation that integrity can be challenged once individuals assume power. He urged young Malaysians to take heed of these warnings, stressing the importance of remaining vigilant not only against past threats such as communism but also against modern dangers posed by foreign or extremist ideologies.

Addressing the New Economic Policy (NEP) introduced by Razak, Anwar clarified that it was never meant to benefit an elite group driven by power or corruption. Instead, he said, the policy aimed to empower ordinary Malays by providing targeted assistance to improve their socioeconomic position and enable entrepreneurial growth, thereby allowing them to compete on equal footing with other communities. He described the NEP as a radical initiative for its time, rooted in a commitment to alleviate poverty across all ethnic groups.

“Many young people today have forgotten that when Tun Razak introduced the NEP, he never departed from the principle of eradicating poverty regardless of race,” Anwar remarked, recalling the former leader’s speeches and policy discussions.

The Prime Minister stressed that Razak’s principles of social restructuring and poverty eradication remain pertinent and should be reinforced to meet contemporary challenges. He called on Malaysians, especially the younger generation, not merely to remember Razak as a historical figure but to actively engage with and continue his vision and efforts in nation-building.

Anwar concluded by expressing hope that the commemorative program would inspire a deeper appreciation of Razak’s ideas and encourage their application in addressing Malaysia’s ongoing development needs.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.