EDUCATORS MUST REMAIN COMMITTED TO NURTURING FUTURE LEADERS - JOHARI

JITRA, May 18 (Bernama) -- Educators must remain committed to nurturing a generation capable of assuming the nation’s leadership roles, guided by the principles of local customs, racial identity and religious beliefs.

Dewan Rakyat speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul said all parties, especially educators, must play their part in shaping students to achieve the highest levels of success and become great leaders, regardless of their modest backgrounds.

“I do not believe that anyone is born a leader. Instead, a leader must be shaped and nurtured, irrespective of their background.

“I myself come from a village and my father was a rubber tapper, but I have become who I am today. When I speak of leadership, it is not just in politics but in all fields,” he said at the Bicara Eksekutif MADANI programme with educators at the Aminuddin Baki Institute here today.

He added that educators were in the most suitable position to shape individuals who would become future leaders.

Johari said that to become a good leader, an individual must possess ambition, courage and strong knowledge, as only education can propel them further.

“As Malaysians, we have every opportunity to succeed, and education is what enables us to rise to the top. Be responsible and set a good example, as students often follow in their teachers’ footsteps,” he said.

At the event, Johari also shared his story of the challenges he faced during his school days and how he succeeded thanks to the support and guidance of the great teachers in his life.

“I come from a poor family and used to help my mother sell kuih before going to school. However, I was fortunate to have great teachers who supported me all the way until I became the best student.

“Today, I hold an important position in the government and have the opportunity to work alongside high-ranking officials,” he said.

The programme was attended by a total of 350 participants, including State Education Department officers from Kedah, Penang, Kelantan and Perlis, as well as prospective school principals and headmasters.

-- BERNAMA