IPOH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said educators need to be big-hearted, accepting challenges and criticism positively, especially regarding shortcomings and problems involving students.
He said education cannot be separated from personal character and humanity.
"Social problems certainly affect children in schools. So that's why I hope teachers will rise up and ensure the next generation is much better than us," he said.
He was launching the 55th National Teachers' Day Celebration at the Casuarina Hotel here on Saturday (May 16), which was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Anwar, who sometimes refers to himself as 'Cikgu Anwar', said the Education Ministry is currently preparing an education framework that focuses on economic and technological progress while maintaining identity and noble values.
“We must never ignore or underestimate the importance of defending our human values as Malaysians and the values referred to as the morals of society," he said.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also shared a personal story about his close relationship with his former teacher, the late Tan Sri Rahman Arshad, former Education director-general, as a symbol of the high respect a student has for teachers.
At the ceremony, Anwar also presented three awards, namely the Best School in the World, namely Sekolah Kebangsaan Putrajaya Presint 11 (1), Putrajaya; the National Education Leadership Award to Dr Ahmad Rafee Che Kassim; and the National Teacher Award to Abdul Rasid Bakar. – Bernama
