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Teachers backbone of nation’s progress

o Heartfelt tribute by prime minister emphasises educators’ vital role in building Madani society and shaping Malaysia’s future

played by primary school teachers in laying the foundation for future learning. “NUTP is appealing to the human resource division of the Education Ministry to expedite the submission of the proposal to revise the primary school teachers’ service scheme to the PSD. “The effort is vital to ensure proper recognition of their role and to provide a clearer and fairer career pathway,” he added. Fouzi said reassigning senior officers (Grades 13 and 14) to schools due to lack of equivalent posts could weaken core functions at district, state and ministry levels, especially in policy planning. “Strategic restructuring of the staffing system and a comprehensive succession plan should be considered to preserve expertise within the education system.” Fouzi also stressed the importance of reducing non teaching workloads, which have grown significantly and affect teachers’ well-being and students’

learning. “Teacher professionalism must be a top priority, as it forms the backbone of an effective education system. Learning deficits caused by overwhelming non-teaching activities must be addressed urgently.” Fouzi also highlighted that the quality of maintenance of teachers’ quarters in remote areas is a critical issue requiring immediate attention. He further flagged chronic shortcomings in digital infrastructure and applications, leaving teachers to troubleshoot technical glitches instead of focusing on instruction. “Adequate and up-to-date ICT equipment is equally essential for effective 21st-century teaching and learning.

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

defending values. “Our task is not yet complete, for the effort to mould a person’s character does not end with the school year. It is a continuous responsibility, passed from one generation to the next, in the pursuit of building a Madani society.” The national-level 54th Teachers’ Day celebration for 2025 was held in Kuching from Wednesday until yesterday, with the theme ‘Teachers Driving Education Reform.’ On the sidelines of the celebration, the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has called on the Education Ministry and the Public Service Department (PSD) to implement a series of urgent reforms aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s education system and uplifting the teaching profession. Its secretary-general, Fouzi Singon, emphasised the critical role

“Continue your mission to sow knowledge with sincerity and determination. We are all witnesses to the immeasurable contributions of teachers; you are the true heroes shaping Malaysia’s future,” he said, as was reported by Bernama. In a related Facebook post, Anwar said teachers are noble individuals who never ask to be glorified, yet every day they patiently shape the future of the nation’s children with love and compassion. “In life, no matter who we are, be it a leader, doctor, engineer, farmer or even the prime minister – all of us once learnt to read, write and count. And it all began in the classroom. “So, in conjunction with Teachers’ Day, I express my utmost appreciation to all educators.” Anwar added that every teacher is a warrior, a patient warrior shaping character and a steadfast warrior

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has lauded teachers as the true heroes of the nation, playing a crucial role in shaping Malaysia’s future and driving the quest for knowledge to achieve national education goals. In his Teachers’ Day message yesterday, shared through a video on Facebook, Anwar expressed deep appreciation for the dedication of educators, describing them as the backbone in cultivating a Madani generation and steering the nation forward. “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our educators – who teach, guide and impart knowledge solely to nurture a Madani generation.

NUTP also proposed special incentives to help teachers afford these tools, aiming to ease their financial burden and enhance the quality of education, so that teachers can teach with joy and dedication, fostering a more meaningful learning environment. M’sia firm on justice for MH17 victims KAZAN: Malaysia remains firm in its position to seek justice and resolution, particularly for the families of victims of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, which was shot down over Ukraine in 2014, said Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, the political secretary to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the fact that the report by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, which found Russia responsible for the downing of MH17, was released a day before the prime minister’s visit to Moscow must be taken into account. “As the prime minister mentioned yesterday, the matter should not be politicised. What matters most is how we can find ways to resolve it,” he told reporters covering the prime minister’s visit to Moscow and Kazan, Tatarstan. Muhammad Kamil said there had been calls for the PM to take a firm stand on the tragedy. “In a closed-door meeting with President Vladimir Putin yesterday, the prime minister directly raised this issue.” Meanwhile, he described the first segment of Anwar’s visit to Moscow as highly fruitful. “The PM also met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and together with President Putin, they discussed several important matters, such as the volatile trade landscape. “We have seen developments that could further strengthen and expand economic trade opportunities, including the confirmation and finalisation of arrangements for direct flights by Russian carrier Aeroflot, which will start soon from Moscow to Kuala Lumpur.” He added that this would further boost tourism between both countries. He also said discussions on other sectors, such as the halal industry, showed positive progress. “We saw great potential for the next five years, with trade and investments worth US$5 billion to US$10 billion between Malaysia and Russia.” Anwar arrived in Kazan on Thursday for the second segment of his official trip to Russia, which concluded yesterday. Kazan, located more than 830km from Moscow, is the largest city and capital of the Republic of Tatarstan. It is known as an industrial, commercial and cultural centre for the Tatars. – Bernama

PM reaffirms constructive engagement in regional grouping KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to Asean cohesion and constructive engagement with regional partners amid complex geopolitical challenges and growing concerns over cross border repression. need to strengthen that bond together in this changing geopolitical environment.

Malaysia currently holds the Asean chairmanship for 2025. Asean comprises 10 member states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. On the issue of cyber scams operating out of Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Anwar said Asean has stepped up collaboration to tackle transnational crime. He dismissed claims that the Cambodian government was complicit in the scam industry, despite critical reports from international watchdogs. – Bernama

“The focus is on intra-trade, investment and taking a common position vis-a-vis the big powers and our neighbours,” he said during the interview with senior journalist Mary Ann Jolley. Anwar also described Malaysia’s relations with neighbouring countries as “excellent” and emphasised that many regional issues are best resolved through direct personal engagement. He reiterated that Asean centrality must remain a core guiding principle as the region faces new global trade dynamics, including tariff policies that could impact member states.

In an interview with Al Jazeera’s 101 East, released Thursday on the channel’s YouTube platform, Anwar stressed the importance of Asean remaining united as the region faces mounting pressure from major powers and intensifying trade tensions. “We have been quite cohesive. I think we

‘Asean adopts policy of centrality’ KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised Asean’s neutral stance and inclusive diplomacy as key to maintaining peace and economic resilience amid global tensions.

Speaking at a public lecture, “Asean in a Multipolar World: Perspectives from Malaysia” at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations on Thursday, Anwar said Asean adopts a policy of centrality. “We trade with all, we should be friends with all.” He stressed the need for consistent, independent foreign policy when engaging with powers such as the US and China. On maritime disputes, including the South China Sea, Anwar highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to peaceful dialogue. “We resolve them through negotiations or joint development efforts. We don’t go to war.” Anwar reiterated Malaysia’s call for Asean US and Asean-China summits during its 2025 Asean chairmanship. “That is what geopolitical relations are about – engaging with all.” Rejecting the notion that China is a regional threat, he said: “A threat to whom? Not to us,” and reaffirmed friendly ties with all partners, including China, the US and Russia. Anwar also spoke on Malaysia’s engagement with the Global South, including through BRICS (a forum for cooperation among a group of leading emerging economies) which Malaysia has been invited

“We trade with all, we should be friends with all,” says Anwar when emphasising Asean’s neutral stance and inclusive diplomacy during a public lecture at the Moscow State Institute of

International Relations on Thursday. – BERNAMAPIC to participate with support from Russia and China. “Russia has strength in energy, digital and petrochemical sectors. Despite restrictions due to sanctions, we are opening ways,” he said. On conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, Anwar

criticised global double standards and reiterated Malaysia’s support for peaceful solutions. “Leadership is a work of patient conviction – to act with courage when clarity is elusive, and to hold fast to hope when it feels most fragile,” he added. – Bernama