DR Mahathir Mohamad today expressed hope that civics education, introduced in schools in June, will help shape responsible, caring and considerate Malaysians.

The prime minister said these qualities are key to a community’s well-being, as well as environmental conservation.

“I believe that not only our children will become civic-minded, but also their teachers… As such, believe me, our country will be developed, clean and highly regarded by the world community,” he said when launching the national-level Civics Education 2019 in Putrajaya.

The topic takes up one hour in the fourth week of each month, and is taught during Bahasa Malaysia, English, Islamic Education, Moral Education and History lessons. It is also covered during school assemblies and in co-curricular activities.

Dr Mahathir said it is important to understand that the success or failure of an individual or a nation depends on “life values”, such as trust.

“For example, we take what rightly belongs to another because no one sees us doing it. So, we feel that no one will act against us. If we have that kind of attitude, and other people act like that, too, then society will become chaotic, unstable and not peaceful.”

He said those involved in the search for Franco-Irish teenager Nora Anne Quoirin, who went missing in the forests of Negri Sembilan recently, demonstrate “high civic values”.

“Some people willingly gave up celebrating Aidiladha to look for the girl. This shows a high degree of civic values among us. If we have high civic values, the situation becomes very good.”

He added that he is confident civics education does not add to students and teachers’ burden.

“So far, there have been no demonstrations (against civics education), such as those against khat.”

He said the task of inculcating civic values in children is incorporated in the education system as the responsibility cannot be solely parents’ to bear.

“Nowadays, both parents go to work, and do not have the time to teach their children about civic values, responsibilities and so on. As such, we have to transfer this task to the education system.” – Bernama, August 13, 2019.