DPM Zahid outlines measures to curb social ills
PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has outlined four measures to curb social ills, including the establishment of the Socio- Economic Research Institute ( SERI).
In addition, he said the Institute of Ethnic Studies ( KITA) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia ( UKM) would be upgraded.
He said both the entities ( SERI and KITA- UKM) would play a major role in studying and evaluating the effectiveness of government policies and programmes, as well as coordinating national socioeconomic education.
“We have to be committed and cannot step back in dealing with social ills in the country.
“We must improve religious education, whatever religion it may be, because no religion leads towards destruction, but rather towards character development,” added Ahmad Zahid at the National Social Council’s town hall session on tackling social ills here yesterday.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister said other ways included enhancing religious education, empowering family and community institutions as well as the application of noble values within the society.
“We hope parents instil their respective religious values in their children. Parents who are religious will surely teach their children to be faithful to their religion.”
Meanwhile, he said concerted efforts should be taken to ensure Malaysia was free from bullying issues. Based on statistics from the police, 2,322 bullying cases were reported from 2012 till June this year. — Bernama