MALAYSIAN students pursuing their studies abroad are not to be influenced by anti-government and anti-establishment beliefs and ideologies, according to Rural Development Minister Mahdzir Khalid.

“When we pursue our studies overseas, there will be many teachings, ideologies and information. There are students influenced by certain beliefs who end up in anti-establishment and anti-government groups.

“We don’t want our students to be influenced, and ending up discrediting and condemning Malaysia,” he said to Mara students in Kuala Lumpur today.

Mahdzir said foreign teachings and ideologies, at times, hide behind civil society groups related to the environment, climate change and others, to obscure their real activities. 

He added that Mara-sponsored students are ambassadors who carry Malaysia’s name abroad and should equip themselves with a strong sense of identity, as well as high self-motivation to live overseas.

A total of 1,246 Mara-sponsored students will pursue their studies in the US, Australia, Russia and India.

They will depart in stages beginning next month. – Bernama, August 4, 2022.