TAIPING, 22 Oct 2008: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, today proposed that the social contract be explained at educational institutions to enable the young generation to have an in-depth understanding of the pre-independence agreement.
He said it was important for the young generation to have an understanding of the social contract so as to ensure maintenance of peace, harmony and stability in the country.
“I am happy that the firm position expressed recently by the Conference of Rulers with regard to the social contract has been well-received by various quarters,” he said at the Speech Day of Sekolah Menengah Sains Raja Tun Azlan Shah, here.
Also present at the function were the Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Bainun, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin and his wife Datin Seri Fatimat Taat, and the Perak Education Director Hussain Harun.
Sultan Azlan Shah also said that the national economy would continue to be strengthened by enhancing competitiveness.
He said enhancing competitiveness demanded human capital of world standard with a high degree of knowledge, skills, creativity and capability in all aspects as well as positive work ethics and spiritual values.
As such, he said, the participation of students in curricular and co-curricular activities was in accordance with the National Education Philosophy which emphasises a balance in terms of the physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual aspects.
“Our country really needs marketable human capital with first-class mentality,” he said.
The sultan said any recognition should be regarded as one of the steps in the climb towards the peak of excellence and one must feel envious of the achievements of people who excel.
The measure of success of a school lay in the quality components which called for focus to overcome other considerations, he said.
“The school must ensure that the quality components are not stifled in the race for achievements. The standard of discipline of the students and the educators must be at the highest level,” he said. — Bernama
