PRIME Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government will provide additional opportunities in teacher training institutions to train teachers in Tamil and Chinese languages, in addition to the national language.
He said this would enable the education ministry to train more teachers in these languages to ensure sufficient staffing for Tamil and Chinese national-type schools.
"These teachers could also be assigned to national primary or secondary schools with Tamil and Chinese students who wish to master their mother tongues," he said at the opening of SJKT Heawood in Sungai Siput.
He said as Prime Minister, he must look after the interests and welfare of all Malaysians.
"When I say that the children of Malays, Chinese, Indians, Sabahans and Sarawakians are my children, some attack me for that.
"They say 'look at Anwar, he equates Malays, Chinese, and Indians with the children of Malays. How can that be?'
"There are such views but I don't care. This country must be peaceful – a country for every citizen of this nation," he said.
Anwar said he wants everyone to be able to communicate well with one another.
"Do not be swayed by the sentiments of extreme individuals. I want to say that if we entertain extremism, we will face problems.
"We must take the middle path and negotiate properly. If there are disagreements, let's discuss them and create space for everyone to express their views," he added. - October 6, 2024