KUCHING: Students need to always have an open mind in receiving or evaluating matters related to them and the surrounding community.
Sarawak Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee stated that students should not solely focus on one ideology or perspective, disregarding the implications of that ideology on the surrounding community.
He emphasised that openness enables students to critically assess a matter, determining whether it has a positive or negative impact.
“This is important so that they (students) can broaden their minds and not be confined by a narrow ideology or political principle that can ultimately influence the direction of our country towards greater excellence.
“Students need to realise that our country must continue to progress because many things that have happened recently have hindered the advancement of our nation,” he said during his speech at the Majlis Apresiasi Gemilang Mahasiswa UNIMAS (MEGAH) 2023 here last night.
He noted that the current leaders of the country would eventually step down, and a new generation of leaders from among the students would take their place.
However, he firmly stated that to lead the country, a leader must always have an open mind and be willing to accept criticism and views from all sides.
“Otherwise, one will be confined by a closed idea or a closed mind, resulting in a situation that cannot be opened and developed properly,” he said.
