PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the role of teachers is becoming ever more crucial in an increasingly complex world, particularly in shaping a generation with strong moral character and inner strength grounded in human values.
He said teachers’ responsibilities are no longer confined to imparting knowledge, but also include building confidence, upholding human dignity, and instilling hope and aspiration in life.
“Today we recognise the service, sacrifice and dedication of teachers, who are the backbone of nation-building and who shape the character, values and civilisation of our country.
“As global challenges grow more complex, the role of teachers becomes even more vital in shaping a generation with moral strength, capable of blending knowledge with human values and wisdom, in line with the MADANI vision,” he said in a Facebook post in conjunction with Teachers’ Day, reported by Bernama.
Anwar said that without values and ethics, development would only result in progress without direction.
The Prime Minister also recalled his teaching experience when he founded Yayasan Anda Akademik in the early 1970s, saying it deepened his understanding of the struggles faced by youths from low-income families and school dropouts, many of whom faced uncertainty about their future.
“That experience taught me that a teacher’s role is not merely to impart knowledge, but to build confidence, uphold human dignity, and instil hope and ambition in life,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to all educators for their service, sacrifice and dedication as the backbone of nation-building.
“May all educators continue to be blessed with strength, resilience and determination in educating the nation towards a more advanced, prosperous and sustainable Malaysia,” he said. – May 16, 2026
