Malaysia Prioritizes Education Despite Global Fuel Crisis, Says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has affirmed that education will remain the highest priority for the government, even amid the ongoing global fuel crisis and economic instability. He made the remarks on Saturday, April 4, during an event at a school in Kuala Kangsar.

The recent conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, causing fuel shortages and a surge in global energy prices. Many countries are facing challenges in maintaining consistent energy supply, raising concerns over long-term economic impacts.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Ibrahim said, “Ensuring that the quality of education for future generations is not compromised in any way is a core goal of our government.”

He noted that while many countries are forced to allocate large portions of their budgets to defense due to regional conflicts, Malaysia remains committed to rapidly implementing small and medium-scale projects in the education and health sectors. He emphasized that approved education projects must proceed without delay, particularly critical infrastructure such as schools and health centers.

During the Kuala Kangsar visit, he instructed local authorities to commence work on relevant projects within two weeks, urging government departments to accelerate minor and urgent renovation works while planning timelines for larger projects.

In addition to academic learning, Prime Minister Ibrahim highlighted the importance of instilling moral values in students. He stressed that teachers should foster proper behavior and strong ethical character, calling values-based education an inseparable part of building a disciplined and exemplary generation.