PM advises varsity students to be rational
THE Prime Minister wants university students to uphold integrity and cautioned them against being used by parties with vested interest.
It was also important for undergraduates to be rational in both their thinking and actions so that any decisions made would be based on good values, added Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“In making decisions, one must not be rash, follow his emotions nor be influenced by others.
“If a student is seen or perceived as a cadre or being used by interested parties, society’s respect for them will be tarnished,” he said in his opening remarks when chairing the annual national students consultative council in Putrajaya on Wednesday.
Dr Mahathir said the government was open to views from students, adding that their fresh perspective and different ideas would help in nation building.
While the government is willing to give students the opportunity to speak out, the Prime Minister reminded them that freedom came with responsibility.
“Freedom must come with good values and high integrity.
“Freedom, just like independence, is precious. If not filled with good values, the freedom that you have is meaningless and empty,” he said.
Dr Mahathir commended the student consultative council for presenting the aspirations and views of their peers in various fields including economy, politics and education.
The government, he said, would strive to fulfil their requests, adding that the student discount card was among issues which the council had fought for. -