BUKIT MERTAJAM, July 25 2026 — The country’s education system must produce a generation that masters knowledge and emerging technologies while remaining firmly grounded in values, ethics and good moral character, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said mastery of fields such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing is essential to ensure the country does not fall behind in responding to global changes.
However, he said such progress must be balanced with an understanding of culture, history, religion and humanitarian values.
“Know your culture, your history, your religion and, most critically, your values, ethics and akhlak (character).
“It means we aspire to reach the skies while remaining firmly rooted to the ground,” he said when officiating the opening of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) Sheikh Tahir Jalaluddin and launching the Nuqaba Programme here today.
Anwar said the opening of the school, named after Islamic reformist Sheikh Tahir Jalaluddin, should not merely commemorate history but also rekindle the spirit of knowledge, awareness and reform championed by the scholar.
He said Sheikh Tahir was among the figures who emphasised the importance of knowledge and an understanding of Islam that remains relevant in addressing contemporary challenges, while striving to liberate the minds and spirit of society from the influence of colonialism.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister stressed that bullying should have no place in any educational institution, including religious schools, as it runs contrary to the objectives of education and character building.
He said attempts to conceal bullying cases to protect a school’s reputation would only leave victims without the support and justice they deserve.
He therefore reminded teachers and students to work together in creating a safe school environment while setting an example through good character and positive conduct.
— BERNAMA
