Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a RM5 million allocation for the Malaysian Youth Council (MYC) during the National Youth Day celebration in Seremban on May 15, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. This marks a rise from last year’s RM4 million and aims to enhance the council’s role in coordinating youth activities under the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Anwar described MYC as the main youth umbrella body driving the national youth agenda. He said, "MYC has a role in coordinating youth activities and mobilising youth associations under the Youth and Sports Ministry. So, this year, I agreed to increase the allocation to a total of RM5mil" [3]. He emphasized that critical thinking among youth is essential, adding, "Young people must have critical thinking. If young people criticise a Prime Minister, that is okay, we must listen" [3].

The prime minister also addressed broader challenges facing Malaysians, including rising living costs, unemployment, and geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz that impact the country [3]. Responding to critics who claim his government has failed economically, he dismissed such claims as "idealism driven by lust and emotions" [3].

Beyond youth affairs, the government allocated RM42.3 million under the Islamic Development Programme benefiting 7,091 Kafa teachers, imams, takmir teachers, and mosque personnel nationwide [1, 2]. A further RM5.4 million was dedicated to maintenance and institutional strengthening of Islamic educational institutions outside the Education Ministry’s oversight, including pondok schools, tahfiz centres, religious schools, and Kafa premises [1, 2].

In Negeri Sembilan, RM800,000 was approved for minor repair works on three projects under the Prime Minister's Department Implementation Coordination Unit: Maahad Tahfiz Al-Quran Al-Falah Kuala Sawah Rantau, Madrasah Az-Zaakiriin, and Pondok Pesantren Darul Tauhid [1, 2]. Anwar praised Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, saying, "I salute Menteri Besar Aminuddin for the resilience and spirit he has shown in facing the state’s never-ending political turmoil" [2].

The government is finalizing a policy to grant Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) and tahfiz graduates wider access to selected public university programs following Cabinet agreement in principle [3].