KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today reiterated that academic excellence alone would have little meaning if children are not raised to become good individuals who respect teachers and love their parents.
While calling on parents and teachers to do their parts, he also urged the youngsters to stay away from negative behaviour, including bullying in schools, which could jeopardise their future.
“Why do we go to school? To learn, to become good, to become knowledgeable... If we are smart in school but go around disturbing and bullying others, and later become someone who hurts people, that is not right.
“So, can you promise this grandpa (me) that you will study hard, respect your teachers, and love and pray for your parents so that you become useful members of our society?” he asked when addressing 700 pupils from 47 selected schools in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya at the “Celebration of Life and Peace” event today.
The event, organised by ERM Foundation, celebrated the birthdays of the children in conjunction with the birthday of the foundation's founder, Xin’er. Also present were Anwar’s wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and his political secretary, Datuk Azman Abidin.
Xin’er said she was excited and happy to share the meaningful occasion with the children.
“Today we’re celebrating because there are many kids who can’t have birthdays as good as this, or they can’t have birthdays due to illness and other challenges. So, we bring them here to show them that every birthday can be filled with peace, love, and happiness.
“My biggest wish is for every child here to grow up peacefully, without war or illness, and to always have happy birthdays while receiving more than just presents,” she said.
Each of the schoolchildren attending the event also received RM500 in cash assistance, feted to a special feast and the opportunity to enjoy various activities and performances throughout the programme.
“Why do we go to school? To learn, to become good, to become knowledgeable... If we are smart in school but go around disturbing and bullying others, and later become someone who hurts people, that is not right.
“So, can you promise this grandpa (me) that you will study hard, respect your teachers, and love and pray for your parents so that you become useful members of our society?” he asked when addressing 700 pupils from 47 selected schools in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya at the “Celebration of Life and Peace” event today.
The event, organised by ERM Foundation, celebrated the birthdays of the children in conjunction with the birthday of the foundation's founder, Xin’er. Also present were Anwar’s wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and his political secretary, Datuk Azman Abidin.
Xin’er said she was excited and happy to share the meaningful occasion with the children.
“Today we’re celebrating because there are many kids who can’t have birthdays as good as this, or they can’t have birthdays due to illness and other challenges. So, we bring them here to show them that every birthday can be filled with peace, love, and happiness.
“My biggest wish is for every child here to grow up peacefully, without war or illness, and to always have happy birthdays while receiving more than just presents,” she said.
Each of the schoolchildren attending the event also received RM500 in cash assistance, feted to a special feast and the opportunity to enjoy various activities and performances throughout the programme.