The government is ready to accept any proposal from the National Professors Council (MPN) in efforts towards national reconciliation.

Second Education Minister Idris Jusoh said as intellectuals, MPN members should present ideas to the government on how best to enhance national reconciliation.

"What are the new things that can be introduced to aid national reconciliation in line with the goals of Vision 2020. We need to figure this out boldly, honestly and rationally," he said when opening the 2nd National Professors Congress today.

Some 600 professors are attending the congress to discuss five topics - the concept and challenges of national reconciliation, socio-economic justice, science and education, identity and patriotism, globalisation and national resilience.

The congress resolution will be delivered to Prime Minister Najib Razak at the banquet and closing ceremony tomorrow.

Social mobility study

Idris said the government was prepared to give allocation to MPN to conduct a social mobility study to gauge Malaysia's success since independence.

“This study is important so that the people understand and know what is our strength so that the reconciliation can continue," he told a press conference.

Meanwhile, MPN has urged the government to conduct a social mobility study to prove that the success achieved since independence was down to planning.

Its deputy chairman, eminent prof Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin said the study was important so that all parties know the factors and sources behind the success and development of Malaysia.

"No such study was ever conducted for all the Malaysia Plans, only statistics were given.

"We have to study the social mobility either vertical, horizontal, urban to rural and non-mobility as it will help the country progress," he said in his keynote address entitled 'Unity and Political Literacy in Malaysia' at the congress today.

- Bernama