PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on public institutions of higher learning to reduce bureaucracy so they can speed up the learning of new-age technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).
He said that a reduction in the process to offer new academic studies in areas of constantly evolving technology is needed to meet the country's aspirations.
He said that he was aware of the process of approval from the faculty to the school to the senate and the board, but it should be hastened for the sake of nation-building.
Anwar urged public universities, particularly those in the northern region, to provide space for industry players to cooperate in exploring new disciplines in tech industries.
It is easy to attract foreign investors for Malaysia, as investors are attracted to the country's political stability and sound policies but there is a need for a good eco-system (educational policies) besides the move to upgrade the infrastructure, said Anwar.
Anwar stressed the importance of synergy between universities, industry players and the private sector, especially in developing the semiconductor industry as well as the related ecosystems, in line with Penang’s position as a semiconductor hub in the region.
He said this at the launch of the Penang Silicon Design @ 5k + initiative at the Eastin Hotel In George Town.
Meanwhile, Anwar also reminded his critics that it is un-Islamic to slander others, as eventually, it would be detrimental to the community.
It is best to level constructive criticism based on facts instead of one purely driven by lies, envy and slander, he said.
Anwar said that some quarters are going around accusing him of taxing the poor and giving tax breaks to the rich.
"Nothing can be further from the truth. This Madani-inspired unity government is looking out for the poor in many areas of living cost," said Anwar.
He said that in the recent tabling of next year's fiscal Budget, some 80% of the people will not be levied additional charges for electricity power rates.
"The subsidies remain for those who cannot afford any rate hikes. That is the fact."
He reiterated that petroleum prices in Malaysia remain the lowest in Asia, even lower than the top global exporter Saudi Arabia.
Anwar also touched on the global halal market which is now worth about USD$ 1 trillion.
Malaysia has the capacity to be the world leader in halal, and it is not just about the certification but venturing into all products manufactured under the auspices of halal from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics and food produce, said Anwar.
He urged all halal producers to move up the value chain to tap the global halal market. - December 8, 2024.
