Schools should teach moral values, not just impart knowledge, says Dr M

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad speaks at a dialogue with students at Toyo University. (Bernama pic)

TOKYO: Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today called for schools to focus on imparting moral values to students from kindergarten level all the way until university.

In his opening remarks at a dialogue with students at the Toyo University here today, he said the national education system should go beyond just conveying knowledge.

“I feel some attention should be given in school, from kindergarten to university, on good moral values,” he said.

The prime minister, who is on a thee-day visit to Japan, said some countries used education as a form of indoctrination.

“I have seen a country where young people, as young as six years old, were taught to adore the leader and think of him as a God who could do no wrong,” he added.

In the end, he said, this resulted in an oppressive regime and government.

“It will make the people suffer and the government will fail,” he said.

Mahathir’s wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah and Education Minister Maszlee Malik were also present at the dialogue.

Mahathir added that the best way to combat corruption was to instil the belief that corruption is a crime.

“When they are still young, they should be told that corruption is a crime. That’s the best defence against it. You grow up to reject corruption, then society will be better off.”

Although corruption is not easily eradicated, he said, efforts must be made to ensure that it does not become prevalent. - FMT