Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has reminded educators to continue playing their roles to ensure Malaysians master the English language.

The Prime Minister said the role of teachers is important to shape and determine future Malaysians, and therefore the government is giving serious focus to education.

“Do not let it become a political issue and deny people the opportunity to master knowledge due to the political interests of certain groups.

“We need to master English and I hope educators would give priority to this as it is the language of science and technology,” he said at a gathering with educators in Terengganu here Monday.

Also present were his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Mentri Besar Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad, as well as 1,000 educators.

The event was the first programme of Dr Mahathir’s one-day working visit to Terengganu. It is also the first visit by the Prime Minister after Pakatan Harapan won the 14th general election last May.

Dr Mahathir said the government would be introducing an education system directed more towards programmes to shape Malaysians to be more competent and able to advance Malaysia more rapidly than before.

“Our education policy is not only to impart knowledge but also to form good characters.

“For this, we need to also focus on our religious teachings … about the values of life needed to be held in Islam. I hope all teachers will also look into the matter.

“We will be changing the curriculum in school to focus on mastering real Islamic teachings, English as well as science and technology … so that we can stand tall among other people in the world,” he said.

Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/01/07/dr-m-master-english-dont-politicise-it/