Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has praised certain undergraduates he considers better at taking part in debates than some of the MPs in the Dewan Rakyat.
Anwar said he has seen university students debating with fresh ideas while behaving well, unlike some MPs who criticise the government without facts and deep understanding of the issues they raise.
He cited the opposition’s criticism of Malaysia’s reciprocal trade agreement with the US as an example.
“When we signed the deal with the US, some of my friends in Parliament immediately claimed that we gave in (to Washington) and that we were being colonised again.
“But have they read (the full agreement)? Do they understand its contents? That’s the problem. The standard of debates (in the Dewan Rakyat) is low.
“Sometimes, I think our student leaders in universities are much better than some of our MPs. We can invite them to visit Parliament, hopefully other MPs can hear (their ideas),” he said at the Festival of Ideas here today.
Several opposition leaders had criticised the trade deal signed by Anwar and US president Donald Trump, claiming it affected the country’s sovereignty as it forces Malaysia to follow Washington’s trade and investment rules.
This was denied by investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz, who said Putrajaya was only obligated to impose restrictions on other countries to address economic or national security concerns “shared” by both countries.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, had also pointed out there was an exit clause in the trade agreement to ensure the country’s interests were protected.
He said politicians should evaluate a policy or agreement based on how it would benefit the country and people, rather than merely sow hateful sentiments.
He reminded MPs to give views that were constructive and ethical, warning against insulting other races or religions.
“That is not healthy politics. We’re approaching 70 years of independence, but some are still trapped in outdated mindsets, insulting ethnicities and cultures.
“I want our youths to bring new ideas to the table, ones that would uplift our people and nation,” he said.
