KUALA LUMPUR: Academic excellence alone would have little meaning if children are not raised to become good individuals who respect teachers and love their parents, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
While calling on parents and teachers to do their parts, he 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 on Wednesday (July 15).
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. — Bernama
