BUKIT MERTAJAM (Aug 30): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants the Ministry of Education (MOE) to emphasise on mastering Science, Mathematics and English to support the development of the country.

He said the mastering of the three subjects is very urgent following changes in the curriculum with the existence of new branches such as artificial intelligence (AI), green energy transition, digital technology and social media.

The minister of finance explained that mastering of the subjects among students should go hand in hand with the use of the Malay language besides stressing on moral issues that include good values such as respect.

"Mastering the National Language well is in accordance with the times and mastering English well especially with the development of technology, and new knowledge (also) is important.

"You (students) must also ensure that you have a strong command of English. The Malay language should be strengthened while the English language should be developed," he said when speaking during a visit to Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tinggi Bukit Mertajam or better known as High School Bukit Mertajam (HSBM) here on Friday.

Also present were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong and Penang police chief Datuk Hamzah Ahmad.

The prime minister said if the country fails to master these fields, then Malaysia will lose in the increasingly challenging world competition, especially in new technology.

He said the assimilation of knowledge which is gaining skills and instilling moral values and truth are two important aspects that should be applied in education today.

"Why these two aspects cannot be abandoned because they will cause the country to be polluted by the supervision of corrupt powers. It is due to gaining knowledge without applying moral values and principles of truth. So you have to remember, explore new knowledge without leaving tradition, culture, morals and religion," he said.

He said education is an important field for the country, therefore a large allocation is given in the Madani Budget in addition to the medical field.

Meanwhile, Anwar, who is also a former HSBM school student, announced an allocation of RM225,000 for the construction of the surau and RM275,000 for other maintenance in the school.

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