KUALA NERUS: The government will reshape the school curriculum and give focus to three key aspects, which are mastery of true Islamic teachings, English as well as Science and Technology.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the objective of the national education policy is not only about imparting knowledge to children but also about shaping better characters.
He said as such, the government and educators should pay special attention to religious teaching, with emphasis on the positive values espoused by Islam.
“On the issue of religion, many among us can memorise the Al-Quran but not everyone understands its content. The Al-Quran is the main source of guidance for Muslims, and only memorising it without understanding its contents will not help guide us.
“Today, although we see many Muslims possessing strong faith such as not missing out on their prayers or fasting, paying their zakat, performing the haj, but the other teachings in the Al-Quran have yet to be understood and obeyed,” he said.
Dr Mahathir expressed hope that all educators will take note of the government’s aim to change the school curriculum to focus on true Islamic teachings, English as well as Science and Technology.
The prime minister was addressing a crowd of around 880 people at a ‘meet the people’ session with the state’s educators at the Tabung Haji (TH) Hotel & Convention Centre.
Also present were his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali; Terengganu Menteri Besar Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar and his wife Tuan Faizah Tuan Ab. Rahman; Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister Senator Raja Datuk Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad; and state education director, Shafruddin Ali Hussin.
Dr Mahathir also called for the issue concerning mastery of English to not be politicised.
“Mastery of English does not make us less Malay, Indian or Chinese but only to enable us to master the knowledge possessed by them (Westerners).
“In addition, knowledge of Science and Technology is mostly in the English language, hence why we need to master it and gain the necessary knowledge in order to progress.”