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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised that Malaysia’s pursuit of sustainable national development cannot rely solely on technological advancements, economic sophistication, or digital transformation, but must begin with the most fundamental unit of society: the family.
Speaking at the launch of the National Family Care Policy (Dasar Kasih Keluarga Negara) and the Sejahtera Madani Tour – People’s Welfare Insurance Scheme (SIKR) at the Ministry of Health Malaysia’s Sultan Azlan Shah Training Institute in Hulu Kinta on Saturday, Anwar highlighted that families remain the cornerstone for instilling moral values, ethics, and identity in future generations, even as the country strengthens its focus on digital literacy, artificial intelligence (AI), and STEM education.
“’Rumahku, syurgaku’ (‘My home, my heaven’). The meaning must start at home.
“Fathers and mothers are not just educators with love, but also role models for their children. We may discuss the economy, technology, digital transformation, and energy transition. But the root remains the family.
“That is why I support and provide full encouragement to ministers and ministries to focus on developing healthy and virtuous families. This family care policy is a reminder to us,” he said.
Anwar added that in a globally competitive environment, Malaysia cannot overlook the moral and ethical foundations that shape its citizens’ character.
“While we are busy seeking funds and building national strength with sophisticated education systems and new facilities, we must not trivialise or abandon the foundation of family education and the love within families. This is why this programme is launched today,” he said.
The Prime Minister explained that the National Family Care Policy aligns with the government’s ongoing education reforms, including the decision to lower school entry age to six years.
He stressed that while Malaysia aims to produce a generation skilled in technology and AI, their identity must remain rooted in local values, culture, and ethics.
“We want children to be intelligent, culturally adept, technologically and AI proficient, but they must remain anchored in their own culture, religion, and moral principles,” he added.
The policy forms part of the broader National Family Care Agenda, spearheaded by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) to strengthen family wellbeing nationwide.
It is designed to ensure that family institutions remain relevant amid complex economic, demographic, and social shifts, including digital-era challenges, psychosocial pressures, and evolving family structures.
The policy falls under the purview of the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPLKN), which coordinates family development through a holistic approach encompassing fatherhood, parenting, reproductive health, and social education.
Family wellbeing is measured through the Family Wellbeing Index (Indeks Kesejahteraan Keluarga, IKK), now a national KPI under Malaysia Plans 11 to 13.
Anwar also linked the policy’s implementation to a hands-on, district-level approach reminiscent of the era of Malaysia’s second Prime Minister, the late Tun Abdul Razak.
The strategy has been revived through programmes such as Kampung Angkat MANDANI and Sekolah Angkat MADANI, where senior government officials, including the Chief Secretary to the Government and department heads, are tasked with visiting communities to identify family and social issues at the grassroots level.
“They manage hundreds of millions in offices, but we ask: can they visit villages every few months? Observe family issues, schools, economic projects. This is national business, not just the business of one ministry,” Anwar said.
The Prime Minister’s remarks underline the government’s conviction that moral and familial foundations are essential complements to Malaysia’s ambitions in technological innovation, digital transformation, and education reforms, ensuring that the next generation is both proficient and ethically grounded. - February 14, 2026
