Malaysian PM Anwar recounts decision to allocate RM1 billion for school toilet repairs
Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA) - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recounted his decision to advocate for the improvement of school toilets for the benefit of students in Malaysia, with a budget reaching 1 billion ringgit (approximately IDR 4.4 trillion).
He shared this story during his speech at the 55th National Teachers’ Day celebration in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia, on Saturday.
“We are spending almost 1 billion ringgit. I thought, why is the country spending 1 billion ringgit to repair toilets? Because these toilets have not been repaired for 20 years. But Alhamdulillah, we have taken action,” said Anwar Ibrahim, as quoted in a verbatim text released in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
The budget of 1 billion ringgit for repairing toilets in schools across Malaysia was first proposed by Anwar Ibrahim earlier last year.
Anwar stated that he wants students to learn about cleanliness and good values, including the importance of clean toilets if they are going to be used for ablutions.
A search revealed that Anwar Ibrahim has been actively focusing on toilet cleanliness, especially in schools. On various occasions, the issue of toilet cleanliness has been a concern for Anwar Ibrahim.
He also acknowledged that during last year’s Teachers’ Day celebration, he also mentioned the repair of school toilets.
“If people call me the ‘Toilet Prime Minister,’ it doesn’t matter, I don’t care. But imagine, our children go to school, and the toilets are not well-maintained,” said Anwar.
Intelligent and Moral
On this occasion, Anwar Ibrahim also emphasized the importance of schools and universities in teaching academic education to students without neglecting moral values.
According to Anwar, a country is not safe with intelligence alone, as stated in the book by prominent scientist Harry Lewis entitled “Excellence Without A Soul”.
Anwar said that Harry Lewis once criticized a leading US university, Harvard, for having good buildings and smart students but being untouched by the real poverty happening outside the campus.
“These are groups called ghettos, especially among black people. So, it doesn’t affect them, it doesn’t touch their conscience, it doesn’t knock on their hearts as human beings, it doesn’t feel what children and families outside feel,” said Anwar.
Therefore, Anwar emphasized the importance of maintaining moral values, humanity, and concern in education. For Anwar, the education system must not fail to shape moral values.