MALAYSIA’S education system must move with the times to construct a future for the children, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.

He added that it was important to teach students about the application of knowledge to prevent it from being misused.

“The education system now is so much different from the old days. Now we need knowledge about communication and technology, where we can get in touch with people around the world without wires.

“Therefore, our education must be suitable with our current climate. We need to move according to time and if the time moves, so does our educational system, suitable for our children’s future.

“Technology moves quickly, everyday new things are discovered. While it is important to equip students with knowledge it is important to keep track of changes.

“We have to also ensure the character of the people would be suitable for the application of the knowledge because if the character is not implanted on the students, they may abuse or misuse the knowledge they receive,” the 97-year-old statesman said.

Dr Mahathir was speaking as a guest of honour at an education event organised by PPTI Malaysia – a private education institution specialising in mathematics.

Dr Mahathir was the education minister from 1974 to 1978 and was also the acting education minister in 2020, replacing Maszlee Malik.

Speaking further, the Langkawi MP stressed that focus must also be given to slow learners, adding that every child must be allowed to go to school.

“Schools should be compulsory for all to attend. Children must be given knowledge, some may grasp it quickly and some may be slow.

“If we do not count those who are a little slow and give special attention to the smart ones, they would not get the benefit and enjoy it as much as they can,” he said. – July 24, 2022.