Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar said that to date, there are still reports of bullying and degrading classmates by skin color in schools. He hopes that our national system and school system are not damaged by these bad behaviors.
He stated that bullying, insulting others, attacking each other, and degrading others because of skin color or background are not behaviors that should be exhibited by an educated person.
He reminded students to reject narrow-minded, ignorant, and divisive thoughts from now on, as the nation belongs to everyone. We must create a united, respectful, and character-rich educational environment.
“Although Malaysia is predominantly Malay, it is also a country for everyone. Therefore, to be a good teacher, a good leader, or a good prime minister, one must have the attitude that Malay children are my children, Chinese children are my children, Indian children are my children, and indigenous children are my children as well.”
He said that a person's evaluation should not be based on their skin color or background, but rather on whether they are honest, knowledgeable, virtuous, hardworking, and contributive. No matter if at Malay schools, religious schools, Tamil schools, or Chinese schools, the mindset of differentiation and division should not exist, as these only divide the nation.
Anwar expressed these statements during his speech at the “Loving Interaction Activities with Students of the Tambun Parliamentary Constituency” hosted by Berjaya Group in Ipoh Pei Nan Chinese Middle School on Friday (April 25).
He also pointed out that the country is currently entering a more advanced stage with the development of semiconductors and artificial intelligence. Therefore, students need to master new knowledge, including language skills, to gain an advantage in global competition. Besides Malay, English and Chinese are also important, with English being significant in trade and the status of Chinese in the global economy becoming increasingly important.
He hopes students can master languages, not only Chinese children but also children from Malay and Indian families, to master English and Chinese. This will help enhance their own future, their family's, and the nation's.
“If our performance remains at a low level, we cannot achieve a better economic status. If we are to ensure that Malaysia has a better future, the quality of education must improve.”
He said that no matter what field one is in now, they must master digital technology and artificial intelligence, which is why many universities have set up artificial intelligence-related majors. However, we must make artificial intelligence cross all fields and become widespread.
“I hope schools can speed up their pace to quickly adapt and respond. We can't spend 25 years planning and preparing before taking action.”
Additionally, Anwar stated that the government has begun to improve basic school facilities, and as of now, 12,000 school toilets have been repaired.
“We not only impart knowledge but also cultivate students' habits and values. If even the toilets are dirty and dilapidated, what does that say about education? Hence, the government has invested over RM1 billion to improve infrastructure, ensuring children have a clean and dignified learning environment.”
Other attendees of the event included Berjaya Group founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan and his spouse, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, Perak State Executive Councillor Wong Shuh Qi, Perak Deputy Speaker Chua Tee Yong, Pei Nan Chinese Middle School Chairman Tan Teck Jit, and several state assemblymen and students and teachers from various schools.