Youths today are too easily influenced by propaganda, lamented Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

"I dare say we are not a perfect government. In fact, if I don't champion the new norms that youths want, I can fail as a leader.

"(But) I am disappointed that youths appear to trust propaganda and negative labels, which may have been injected by the enemies of Islam," he said.

Speaking at an international wassatiyah seminar in Bangi today, Najib said these included comments that Malaysia is a failed state or a rogue nation.

"Malaysia is not a failed state," he stressed

The prime minister said all he wants from the youths is for them to be fair when evaluating or rejecting him.

"It is not true that as a leader, I have shut off avenues for criticism and rejection. I heed the people's voice.

"I listen and respect the voice of the youths," he said.

Najib called for all criticism to be made respectfully, so that peace does not become a casualty of short-term political goals.

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