PM lauds education system

Every Malaysian can become successful with a national education system that does not discriminate, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. He said the country’s education system had opened a pathway for many individuals to become successful within just one generation.
“We can see that our leaders, corporate figures, professionals and scholars are successful today because of an education system that made social mobility a reality,” the Prime Minister said during his visit to SMK Seri Pekan here yesterday.
This system, he added, was probably much better than those practised in other advanced countries, where only people with status and means could have the opportunity to become successful.
“If a person were to be born as the child of a labourer in a ghetto, they would have a very narrow chance of succeeding in life,” he said.
“Even if they are successful, it is because they have extraordinary skills in boxing or basketball.
“Whereas in Malaysia, we have the opportunity to change our lives through education due to our system that allows anyone regardless of economic status to enjoy success as long as they have the will.”
He said any individual could be educated to become a knowledgeable, ethical and successful person.
“I believe if our students are exposed to a system that provides the best facilities, have committed teachers and full parental support, they will have a great chance of being successful,” said Najib.
He said SMK Seri Pekan itself had proven the philosophy when it achieved the status of an excellent cluster school although it was not a fully residential school.
Najib also announced an allocation of RM500,000 for the school to establish its brass band.