The word "guru" which we use today contains philosophical principles derived from the Sanskrit language with "gu" meaning darkness and "ru" meaning one who saves out of the darkness, said former education minister Maszlee Malik.

The statement, full of poetic tributes, goes on to say - as such, the word teacher refers to an enlightened human being who gives light, knowledge, guidance, example, and wisdom, as a teacher sows meaning in the lives of their students.

The statement was issued together with...