Degrees, doctorates do not make one virtuous, says Anwar

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 Abdul Kadir and his deputy, Adam Adli, were also in attendance.

Anwar added that a desire to champion others’ rights 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.