KUANTAN – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tonight officiated the 2026 MADANI PMX Pendekar Silat Championship, hailing the event as a historic platform that revives the spirit of national heroism and cultural pride.
Addressing participants and spectators, he praised the dedication of young silat practitioners who are not only preserving the martial art as a cherished ancestral heritage but also embodying an unyielding identity in the face of modern challenges.
Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that silat transcends its role as a martial discipline, serving as a powerful symbol of identity that instils discipline, courage, responsibility, and respect.
“Silat is more than combat; it is a reflection of who we are as a people,” he remarked, underscoring its significance in shaping character and moral fortitude.
Within the framework of the MADANI initiative, the Prime Minister highlighted the qualities that define the ideal silat warrior: agility in the arena, unwavering morals, and a resolute stance against injustice and deceit.
“We seek a generation that not only excels in skill but also upholds integrity and champions the values that define our society,” he stated, linking the art’s principles to the broader aspirations of the nation.
Expressing confidence in the future of silat, Anwar Ibrahim commended the efforts of practitioners and instructors, whose commitment ensures the art’s continued growth and relevance.
He envisioned the championship as a breeding ground for a new generation of Malaysians, strong in heart, devoted to faith, race, and country, who will carry forward the legacy of struggle, reinforce national unity, and elevate the dignity of the homeland.
“Let us unite to ensure that silat remains a living tradition, a testament to our strength as a nation,” he urged, calling on all Malaysians to embrace and nurture this heritage. The event, he concluded, is not just a celebration of sport but a reaffirmation of the values that bind the nation together.
