Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called out the national education system, saying it shouldn’t just focus on academic achievements but also on nurturing moral and humanitarian values.
He added that Malaysia’s education and economic systems are still influenced by Western ways of thinking, as reported by Sinar Harian.
For illustration purposes only
“We still see rape cases happening in schools”
Speaking at the monthly assembly with staff of the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM), Anwar said Malaysia’s education system is still too influenced by Western ideas that focus on material success and capital mastery, while neglecting the moral side of human development.
He said that if Western philosophies are used as references, they should be understood as a whole and not adopted selectively, as doing so could create imbalances in how young people think.
“Even if we learn from the West, take it in full. If we only follow the dominant ideology, capitalism, then our children’s thinking will be shaped by it,” he said.
For illustration purposes only
He added that the biggest flaw in today’s education system is its focus on academic achievement alone, without giving enough space to the development of values and morals.
He also pointed out that when education fails to emphasise values, society ends up dealing with all kinds of social problems, including the rising cases of bullying in schools.
“Just last Friday, when I announced Budget 2026, I brought up bullying. The decision’s been made, the minister’s addressed it. Yet we still see rape cases happening in schools, that’s why I keep stressing the bullying issue,” he said.
“The education system still hasn’t succeeded in shaping individuals”
Anwar mentioned these issues show that the education system still hasn’t succeeded in shaping people who truly understand values, empathy, and responsibility toward others.
He emphasised that human development must start with an education system that balances knowledge with moral values to create a generation that’s not just smart, but also ethical and fair.
“Development should drive growth, but for what purpose? It should be for the overall development of humanity. As Muslims, our understanding of zakat, justice, and ihsan, and the greatness of the Khulafa ar-Rashidin or the unique strength of Umar Abdul Aziz, all come from their compassion,” he said.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know down in the comments!
