Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today criticised the education system for prioritising academic performance over the cultivation of moral and ethical values.
In an Utusan Malaysia report, Anwar said that a recent rape case at a school in Melaka showed that the education system had not cultivated students who truly understand empathy, responsibility, and humanity.
Anwar said a major weakness of the current education system was its tendency to measure success purely through academic results, leaving little room for the development of moral and ethical values.
“I just announced measures to address bullying (in the 2026 budget) on Friday… But another rape case at a school has already happened,” he said at the monthly assembly of the Prime Minister’s Department in Putrajaya.
Anwar said that society inevitably faces social problems when its education system fails to emphasise proper morals and values.
He said a successful education system was one that could build the nation’s economy and shape morally upright individuals.
Four Form 5 boys were remanded until Oct 16 to assist investigations under Section 375(b) of the Penal Code for gang rape.
The suspects allegedly committed the offence on the 15-year-old victim at about 2.50pm on Oct 2 at their school in Alor Gajah, Melaka.
Two of the suspects reportedly watched and recorded the incident with their handphones, and the videos they took were later circulated online.
