Isu mental, keselamatan kanak-kanak tanggungjawab bersama, tegas PM

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that good education must also cultivate individuals with manners, good character, and human values. The issue of children's mental health and safety has become increasingly concerning, requiring shared responsibility among the government, educational institutions, and parents, particularly in strengthening religious education, values, and personality formation from a young age, the Prime Minister stated.

Various incidents involving children, including suicide, violence, and bullying, highlight the need for a comprehensive study of the roles of all parties in ensuring the well-being and safety of the younger generation. Anwar noted that the responsibility of nurturing an individual's character does not solely lie with the educational system, teachers, and the government; it begins in the family as the primary foundation for personal development.

He pointed out that parental negligence in monitoring their children's daily lives, including academic performance, social interactions, and religious practices, can contribute to various social problems. He emphasized that achieving 90% of parental responsibility in raising their children would already address half of the nation's issues.

The Prime Minister spoke at the gathering of the Skim Usahawan Bangkit Negeri Kelantan. Good education is not just about producing a generation of knowledgeable and technically skilled individuals but also about forming individuals with manners, good character, and human values. This requires efforts to strengthen religious education, starting with the practice of reciting the Quran, praying, and respecting parents, teachers, and peers.

Consequently, Anwar stated that the Education Ministry must review its actions to ensure that all parties play their respective roles in guiding and protecting children. The Ministry of Education should take decisive action against bullying in schools to ensure that educational institutions not only produce academically outstanding students but also nurture their character and good manners.

Bullying and acts of disrespect toward peers indicate the continued weaknesses in applying values and manners within the educational system. The Education Ministry is directed to take strong and firm action, with teachers and educators playing a crucial role in safeguarding our children, he said. He also emphasized that academic excellence alone is not sufficient if a student fails to practice respect and uses knowledge for good purposes.

Social issues such as drug abuse, crime, and deteriorating character also require a comprehensive approach to ensure that the younger generation is guided in a healthy environment.