Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today reiterated that academic excellence alone would have little meaning if children are not raised to become good individuals who respect teachers and love their parents. While calling on parents and teachers to do their parts, he also urged the youngsters to stay away from negative behaviour, including bullying in schools, which could jeopardise their future.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar questioned the purpose of schooling if students excel academically but fail to uphold good values, disturb and bully others, or later become individuals who hurt people. He urged the students to promise to study hard, respect their teachers, and love and pray for their parents, aspiring for them to become useful members of society. His address reached 700 pupils from 47 selected schools in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya during the 'Celebration of Life and Peace' event.

The event, organised by ERM Foundation, celebrated the birthdays of the children alongside the birthday of the foundation's founder, Xin'er. Anwar's wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and his political secretary, Datuk Azman Abidin, were also in attendance. Xin'er expressed her excitement and happiness in sharing the event with the children, emphasizing the importance of celebrating birthdays with peace, love, and happiness, especially for those who face challenges like illness.

Each schoolchild at the event received RM500 in cash assistance, was treated to a special feast, and had the opportunity to enjoy various activities and performances throughout the programme.