Anwar speaks with a female participant at the event, accompanied by Hajiji behind him.
KOTA KINABALU (June 13): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said women, especially mothers, are crucial in shaping the foundation of building a healthy and vibrant Madani nation.
“When discussing a nation, people often focus on infrastructure, skyscrapers, modern technology, industry, information technology and artificial intelligence.
“Yet, every discussion should begin with the individual with values, morality, character and the human spirit. No matter how advanced our educational system may be, the foundation of the household remains the mother.
“In my view, the mother is both the root and essence — if the root is properly nurtured by parents, we are better ensured of building a health Madani nation,” he said during the ‘Moving Forward with Madani: Women of Faith and Resilience’ programme at the Sabah International Convention Centre here.
He said while people may think the school system can succeed, yet the foundation still lies within the family.
“Our earliest education is in knowing our parents, understanding our basic religious responsibilities and learning to pray. All of this begins at home, which is why it forms the foundation.”
Anwar also shared the important roles of women in the Quran: “Consider the partnership of Sayyidatina Khadijah as wife and mother, accompanying the Prophet SAW during the most difficult moments. She provided tranquility, confidence and support as both guide and companion.”
He also mentioned that at every stage of Islamic history, women were never absent.
“The Islamic tradition of knowledge we inherit should strengthen our conviction that without the contribution of women, there can be no vibrant and complete Madani nation,” he said.
Anwar also urged for patience to be applied when raising children, maintaining a household, and in educating children.
“Shape them into good human beings through diligence, discipline and good character, with patience. Build families with patience, build society with patience, build the nation itself with patience,” said Anwar.
Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Dr Mohd Ariffin Arif and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Marhamah Rosli.
