Monday, January 13, 2003

PM commends Chinese for being steadfast in their academic goals

BY V.P. SUJATA

KAMPAR: The Chinese are steadfast in their academic goals, said Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad, commending their resilience in pursuing a better tomorrow for the community.

The community, the Prime Minister said, would go to great lengths to ensure that the future generations receive the best education in order to be successful people.

“This is the secret behind the success of the Chinese people.

PROUD DAY: Dr Mahathir laying the foundation stone at the Utar site in Kampar Sunday. Flanking him are (from left) MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Ling Liong Sik, deputy president Datuk Lim Ah Lek, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohd Tajol Rosli Ghazali and Utar president Datuk Dr Ng Lay Swee.- Starpic by Lew Yong Kan.
“They work hard and sacrifice much to pursue education anywhere they settle,” he told over 30,000 people who had gathered at the site of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) in Bandar Baru Kampar here yesterday where he laid the foundation stone for the country’s latest institution of higher learning

“They (the Chinese) would go to all parts of the world seeking knowledge and education at all cost,” said Dr Mahathir, who was given a standing ovation by the mammoth crowd when a choir sang Thank You For Being A Friend, dedicated to his achievements and his personal touch to the growth of Malaysia over the past 21 years

“I was told recently that more than 250,000 Chinese nationals are now in other parts of the world seeking education and knowledge,” he said, adding that Malaysians were lucky to have adequate and good educational facilities which provided a strong basis for them to further their education abroad.

He believed, he said, the educated Chinese would, in turn, contribute towards the development of the nation.

He called on the Chinese to maintain unity among themselves and with other communities, adding that together all would have a part in ruling their beloved country.

“I have confidence that Utar students will contribute towards nation-building, especially in the field of science and technology in both the private and government sectors,” the Prime Minister said.

Dr Mahathir also commended the philanthropic nature of the Chinese community, who were mainly in the business and manufacturing field, but generously contributed to education purposes.

He said huge funds were needed to set up a university and thus the Government would provide a launching grant for the Utar project.

He, however, did not reveal the amount to be provided.

At a press conference later, Dr Mahathir said he would reveal the amount to MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Ling Liong Sik.