KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the culture of bullying in educational institutions must be addressed firmly, stressing that it deserves the same level of seriousness as corruption and drug-related crimes due to its damaging impact on the nation’s educational values and identity.
The Prime Minister said the responsibility of educating, borne by those in the education sector, including the ministry, civil servants and educators is a serious trust, as it shapes individuals, families, society, and the future of the nation and humanity at large.
He noted that in religious teachings, the act of educating is considered noble, and any behaviour that erodes
these values must not be tolerated.
“That is why we cannot be lenient towards any behaviour that damages these values. The culture of bullying, even if it involves only a small group, is sometimes underestimated by educators.
“We must have the same determination in combating it as we do with corruption and drugs. We must fight against bullying practices that tarnish identity and cultural values,” he said.
Anwar made the remarks during a briefing following the launch of the National Education Plan 2026–2035, which he officiated today.
Also present were both Deputy Prime Ministers, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof; Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir; and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
The Prime Minister emphasised that any form of negligence or destructive behaviour in education must be eradicated, as the ultimate goal of education is to cultivate individuals of integrity and values.
“What we aim to educate are human beings. Humans are distinguished from animals by their values. They can be elevated to the highest form of humanity, as God created humans as the best of beings, or they can choose to become the lowest of creatures,” he said.
In line with this, Anwar said human values must remain at the core of the national education system, with full participation from all stakeholders, including students, university students, teachers, lecturers and educational leaders.
“We must mobilise all our efforts to focus on developing personal character, values, technology and all areas necessary, in accordance with each individual’s abilities,” he added. — January 20, 2026