Arshad, who was the first Institut Teknologi MARA (ITM) director, said this was the only way Malaysia can produce citizens who truly love the country and maintain unity that has been established over 50 years ago.
“History needs to be taught in preschool to instill love for the country and teach them about the sacrifices made by our leaders to form the nation.
“Each Malaysian need to understand the national constitution, social contract, racial sensitivities not just during Independence month,” he told reporters after a leadership forum organised by the Razak School of Government, here Thursday.
He said actions like insult, curse or criticise a race or question sensitive issues such as the Sultan’s sovereignty in the social media will have negative consequences to the country.
As a multi-racial country, he said each person has a role and responsibility to defend and promote peace.
“Educational institutions need to play a role in this matter, to produce a generation that can think and help develop the country instead of just supporting a political party,” he said.
He also urged youths to take advantage of opportunities provided by the government to empower themselves with knowledge which is the basis for success.
Arshad said as the generation who will run the country, youths should not waste hours online but instead use their energy for the good of the country.
“The youth need to understand that they cannot blame fate or offer other reasons if they failed to succeed, as it is all in their hands,” he added.
— BERNAMA
