Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim pledged the government will do its utmost within available capacity to help young people navigate various challenges after engaging with youths at the 2026 International Youth Assembly (HAMKA) in Klang, Selangor, on Aug 20 [1, 2]. He emphasized the need to guide young people through a complex world with "knowledge, arguments, and manners, rather than sentiments, hatred or group interests" [1]. HAMKA, named after the late cleric Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah, inspires courage in expressing views and openness to ideas [1, 2].
Anwar also expressed admiration for the spirit, discipline, and courage displayed by young athletes competing in the 2026 Selangor Malaysia Games (Sukma), particularly at the Muay Thai events [3, 4, 5]. He said, "Hopefully, they will one day have the opportunity to represent Malaysia and make the country proud on the international stage" [3]. Sukma 2026, hosted in Selangor until Aug 24, features over 5,000 athletes competing in 37 sports for 468 gold medals [3, 4, 5].
On Aug 23, the Terengganu women's track cycling team won the Sukma gold in the team pursuit, breaking the national record twice with a final time of 4 minutes 42.878 seconds, improving upon the previous record of 4 minutes 47.317 seconds [6]. Team member Aieris Madhiah said, "I feel proud to break the record for Terengganu. We finally did it today" [6].
The Selangor government is considering declaring an occasional holiday if the Selangor contingent emerges as overall Sukma champions. As of Aug 23 afternoon, Selangor had secured 85 gold medals [7]. Selangor State Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi said a holiday could be an incentive for residents if Selangor wins overall. He also promised athlete incentives after the games conclude [7].
Sukma 2026 continues through Aug 24, with the final competitions and medal tally expected then.
