IPOH: There is no place for bullying and racism in schools, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar said a better future for Malaysia hinged on elevating the quality of education and instilling moral values in youth.
“I have informed the Education Ministry, Higher Education Ministry and all school principals and headmasters that if Malaysia is to have a better future, the quality of education must improve.
“Yet we still receive reports from time to time about bad behaviour among students. Bullying, insulting one another, mocking others due to their skin colour or race.
“This is not the behaviour of educated people.
“That’s why I always say, if you want to be a good teacher, a good leader, a good prime minister, then you must hold on to this one principle. What is it?
“A Malay child is my child. A Chinese child is my child. An Indian child is my child. An Orang Asli child is my child,” he said in his speech at the Santuni Kasih programme at SMJK Poi Lam here today.
Present were Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming and Berjaya Group founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan.
The Tambun member of parliament said Malaysia’s strength lied in its diversity and he condemned people who judged individuals based on their race or background.
“We must fight narrow and ignorant views — those who judge others based on skin colour or race.
“We should judge people based on their knowledge, their values and their contributions to society.
“We must judge people by their character, whether they are good or not, whether they are knowledgeable, whether they bring benefit or harm, whether they do honest work or commit crimes.
“Judge people based on their behaviour and moral values.”
He urged schools and education institutions to become proactive in addressing issues of discipline and bullying, noting that unity must be built from a young age.
“I don’t care if it’s a Malay school, religious school, Tamil school or Chinese school. This mentality must not exist. It will divide and destroy our nation. Our country is strong and unique.
“So don’t forget to study, maintain discipline, don’t become arrogant or proud and don’t insult or bully others. Because I don’t believe our national system or our schools today would tolerate such behaviour.”
Anwar called on students to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology, warning that Malaysia could not afford to fall behind in the tech race.
“Today, in any field, without exception, we must master digital technology. We must master AI, because that is the technology of the future. If you want to succeed, you must master this technology.”
At the event, Berjaya Group presented RM1 million to 2,000 underprivileged students from 15 schools in the Tambun parliamentary constituency.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
