PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) to deploy 100 scientists to schools across the country to inspire students and encourage interest in science and mathematics.
“Schools need guidance on what it takes to become a scientist,” he said, adding that direct engagement by scientists would help cultivate a new generation of talent in science and technology. He made the remarks during the closing ceremony of Program Madani Rakyat in Kelantan.
Anwar also noted that 130 students from 11 schools in the state were already involved in a bioeconomic development programme in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK).
In a related effort, he urged private companies to adopt schools through corporate social responsibility programmes, aiming to pair 300 schools with corporate partners.
Separately, the Prime Minister announced what he described as the most significant pay rise in Malaysia’s civil service history.
“The government has approved a salary adjustment of more than 13 per cent for civil servants, with an estimated cost exceeding RM10 billion,” he said. The increase, set to take effect in December, reflects the rising cost of living and is part of wider structural reforms under the Madani government.
“The civil service reform is not just about numbers but about justice and dignity for those who serve the public,” he added. - August 9, 2025