PUTRAJAYA, July 28 (Bernama) — The MADANI Government will continue to prioritise the welfare of educators and the strengthening of the national education system as key pillars of the country’s development, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
He said that since taking office, the government has placed the education sector at the forefront of its agenda by improving service schemes, career pathways, and the overall welfare of teachers.
“In every meeting, every discussion on service schemes, and every strategic priority, we have never overlooked the Ministry of Education (MOE), the teaching profession, or the stakeholders involved.
“We are now expanding opportunities, whether through salary improvements or career progression, so that teachers will no longer feel the need to move into administrative positions simply to gain recognition,” he said at a gathering with MOE staff here today.
Also present were Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Public Service Director-General Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz, and MOE Secretary-General Datuk Wan Hashim Wan Rahim.
Anwar said the country’s aspirations in economic growth, artificial intelligence (AI), and technological advancement could only be realised through the dedication of educators who nurture and prepare future generations.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that education remains a national priority through sustained funding and support in the annual budget.
“According to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation), Malaysia is the only country that allocates the highest proportion of its national budget to education,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that the government’s reform agenda, including efforts to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and integrate AI into the education system, will require the unwavering commitment and support of teachers.
He also called on the public to recognise and appreciate the vital role educators play in shaping the nation’s future despite the increasing challenges they face.
“The expectations placed on the Ministry of Education and our teachers are enormous. If a single child goes astray, it becomes headline news, but when a million children are guided onto the right path, it often goes unnoticed. We must never lose sight of that,” he said.
— BERNAMA