Students shouldn't become 'macai, walaun' - Anwar

SHAH ALAM - There government has no problems with students wanting to voice out their opinions and objections, but it must have limitations.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reminded students not to become 'macai' (political lapdogs) and 'walaun' (Pas-obsessed extremists) attacking the government without facts.

"You are free to object I have no issues with it, even ministers have the freedom to voice out.

"However, once it comes out of line we must reprimand it as limitations must be set in place. Don't throw accusations stating we should go to hell just because of a disagreement.

"Some said we were an unfair government for neglecting the opposition and witholding funds. We have added the allocations for all states. If you want to criticise make sure it is based on knowledge and facts," he said.

He said such during the Dialogue Session with Universiti Teknologi Se-Malaysia Student Representative Council, here, on Friday.

Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Mohamed Khaled Nordin, UiTM Board of Director chairman Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Raduan Che Rose and UiTM Vice Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Hajah Roziah Mohd Janor.

He said the current times have changed and students must think creatively.

"The situations have changed. We shouldn't use the same methods as they did in the 1960s and 1970s.

"Students must think creatively; don't become a 'macai' or 'walaun, who claim everything is true even though it makes no sense," he said.

Anwar explained that with the freedom in Parliament, he is prepared to hear any objection, but he will not agree to it if it is not true.

"If they say the current government is unfair, surely we wouldn't agree? Why are we unfair? Because we neglected the opposition states and reduced funds?

"I hold to these facts that all states, including Terengganu, Kelantan, Perlis, and Kedah, have received added allocations. Those hearing these walauns' claims will say the government is unfair, but when we give them these facts, they remain silent.

"This is no longer the tradition of knowledge and wisdom shown in Islam, in which Islam says knowledge is based on truth and facts. That is why we organise a discussion and dialogue for them to obtain the facts," he said.