Degrees, doctorates do not make one virtuous, says Anwar

 The prime minister says some of those involved in high-profile scandals, like 1MDB, were highly educated individuals.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said undergraduates must understand issues such as poverty, ethnic disparities and the problems faced by lower-income groups. (Bernama pic)

PUTRAJAYA:

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim tonight reminded youths, especially those categorised as Gen Z, that having a degree or doctorate would not prevent someone from engaging in corrupt practices.

Therefore, undergraduates must not only strive for academic excellence but also develop good character to ensure they do not abuse their authority in the future, he said.

Anwar pointed out that some of those at the centre of the 1MDB scandal or linked to controversies involving Felda and Tabung Haji were highly educated individuals.

“Generally, those involved (in these scandals) are not uneducated. Almost all have degrees, and some have master’s degrees, and PhDs.

“A good education, therefore, does not make one virtuous,” he said at the 2026 National Student Figure Awards (ATSN) ceremony here.Higher education minister Zambry Abd Kadir and his deputy, Adam Adli, were also in attendance.

Anwar went on to say that an interest in championing the rights of others and a hatred of corruption must be instilled from a young age.

He also urged undergraduates to understand issues such as poverty, ethnic disparities and the problems faced by lower-income groups. - FMT