Anwar: Educators must accept criticism positively and show resilience in facing challenges

IPOH, May 16 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said educators need to be big-hearted in accepting challenges and criticism positively, especially regarding shortcomings and problems involving students.

He said education cannot be separated from being linked to personal, character, human or humanity and any problems that arise are often linked to schools until they sometimes burden educators.

“Social problems certainly affect children in schools and certainly cause commotion. It seems like this only happens in schools, when what happens sometimes is shortcomings, moral corruption, that’s because we are part of society.

“But I hope teachers see this positively. So that’s why if you are burdened with unfair criticism, I hope teachers would accept it well to raise up and ensure the next generation is much better than us,” he said.

He was launching the 55th National Teachers’ Day Celebration at Casuarina Hotel here, today, 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 Ministry of Education (KPM) is currently preparing an education framework that not only focuses on economic and technological progress such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital, but also maintains its identity and noble values.

“If we look at almost all countries, they have their education policies and are evaluated from time to time. But in Malaysia, in this Madani country, there is something different. We don’t want to be left behind in terms of new technology, AI. Children must be prepared for current needs, otherwise we will be left behind.

“But in moving towards all these goals, 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.

In addition, he emphasised the concept of “Excellence Without a Soul” by emphasising that academic intelligence alone is not enough if it is separated from human values, morals and social concerns.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also shared a personal story about his close relationship with his former teacher who is also the former Education director-general, the late Tan Sri Rahman Arshad, 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