Dr M says Malaysia on right track, cites quality education ranking

The 2018 Quality Education Index ranks Malaysia on the 19th place out of 141 countries, according to the World Economic Forum.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said this shows Malaysia is on the right track as the country is also acknowledged as "competitive and progressive" in the education sector, compared to other developed countries.

"But we need to continue to improve our education sector and prepare our students to face disruptive developments due to new and sophisticated technologies," he said in his speech at the 48th National Teachers Day celebration in Penang today.

The event was held at the Spice Arena, Bayan Baru, attended by about 3,000 people, mostly teachers.

Accompanying Mahathir at the event were Education Minister Maszlee Malik and Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman.

Mahathir reminded all Malaysians pursuing academic success to practise three principles which are necessary to make the country successful and progressive.

"The three principles are hard work, integrity and discipline. If we have these three principles, we will surely be a successful nation.

"I would like to urge teachers to instil these values in our students from a very young age, so that it becomes part of their culture," he added.

Mahathir said he will continue to emphasise on the Look East Policy, adding that progressive countries like Korea and Japan are respected globally due to their success in various fields.

He said the two countries are also highly respected for their "discipline, hard work, and integrity, which is imbued with the spirit of patriotism."

The prime minister stressed the importance of the Malay language but said: "At the same time, we must also realise that it is important that students master the English language for better communication.

"In line with our efforts to encourage students to master two languages, the Education Ministry has launched an initiative to strengthen students' knowledge in English via two programmes - Highly Immersive Programme and Dual Language Programme."

In 2018, Mahathir said the Highly Immersive Programme has been implemented in 10,000 schools in the whole country. - Mkini