PM praises Kuok for helping Malaysia

SINGAPORE: Businessman Robert Kuok’s contribution to the country has received special mention by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for his willingness to help rehabilitate Malaysia.

The Prime Minister said although Kuok was very successful globally, he had never forgotten Malaysia.

“I am asking Malaysians to come back and contribute to the country, especially those who have done well like the owner of this hotel, for example,” he said during a high-tea with Malaysians living in Singapore at the Shangri-La Hotel here.

“Today, he (Kuok) is a very successful international player, but he has not forgotten that he made his first million in Johor.

“When we asked him to come back to rehabilitate the country, he willingly came back to sit on the Council of Eminent Persons.

“He has contributed in positive ways and we are grateful to him,” added Dr Mahathir.

He also promised that Pakatan Harapan would welcome other Malaysians who wanted to return and contribute to the nation’s growth.

“Some find Malaysia not too welcoming. This will be corrected by the new government,” he added.

The Prime Minister also spoke on the rapid progress made in the eastern corridor states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and parts of Johor.

“Jobs were created and industries and new businesses were set up.

“For example, budu (fermented fish sauce) is fetching a good price and nicely presented like toothpaste, unlike how it used to be sold,” he said.

Replying to a query on education during the question and answer session, Dr Mahathir said he had asked Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik to overhaul the school curriculum.

“The current education system is bad. It needs to be revolutionised.

“What they learn (now) is not what they should learn. We need to change the curriculum and timetable and what they learn in school,” he added.