MELAKA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says the nation will continue to be left behind in the technical, digital and semiconductor fields, which are crucial in today's world, if Malaysian society insisted on needlessly debating trivial matters.
The prime minister said such attitudes not only hindered efforts to strengthen these increasingly high-demand fields but also harm the country.
"Let us not continue to debate endless trivial matters. Instead, let us focus, utilise our time to educate our children... fill our free time with education and knowledge, because the country needs new talents as well as children who are skilled and experts in information technology (IT), digital technology, and semiconductor engineering.
"We need to prepare, what with the numerous opportunities available now. I truly hope for a change in attitude and mindset; otherwise, we will lag behind (because of) continuous bickering over trivial issues and forgetting about essential matters.
"(Such actions will cause) us to fall behind, not only among competing communities, but also among advanced nations," he said in his speech at the Madani 2024 Aidilfitri Celebration at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) here tonight.
Also present were Melaka Governor Tun Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.
Anwar said Malaysia has now gotten the attention of the world as one of the top investment destinations in the region.
He congratulated the Melaka government led by Rauf for being the "mouthpiece" for investors who visited the country recently.
"This is because politics in Melaka is stable and its economic policies are clear. Policies such as digital transition, energy transition, and new industrial plans can help investors see our strengths.
"I want to mention that the people should focus on these areas. Malaysia now, with investments from Infineon and dozens of other companies, requires 30,000 engineers (a number) that we cannot fully meet.
"Hence, the focus for parents, including Malay children, must be in the fields of science and mathematics, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which is being coordinated by Zahid, to enhance their capabilities so that we (as a nation) do not fall behind," he said.