SNAPSHOT | Learn to accept criticisms, PM urges teachers; RM5b SME relief scheme now open

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2pm

Teacher’s Day

• Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged educators to have a big heart in accepting challenges and criticism positively, especially regarding shortcomings and problems involving students.

  He said education cannot be separated from being linked to personal, character, human, or humanity, and any problems that arise are often linked to schools which can sometimes burden educators.

  “Social problems certainly affect children in schools and certainly cause commotion. It seems like this only happens in schools.

  “When what happens sometimes it is shortcomings, moral corruption, that's because we are part of society.

  “But I hope teachers see this positively. So that's why if you are burdened with unfair criticism, I hope teachers would accept it well to rise and ensure the next generation is much better than us," Bernama reported him as saying.

• Anwar further said the role of teachers is becoming ever more crucial in an increasingly complex world, particularly in shaping a generation with strong moral character and inner strength grounded in values.

  

  He also noted that teachers’ responsibilities are no longer confined to imparting knowledge, but also include building confidence, upholding human dignity, and instilling hope and aspiration in life.

  “Today we recognise the service, sacrifice and dedication of teachers, who are the backbone of nation-building and who shape the character, values and civilisation of our country.

  “As global challenges become more complex, the role of teachers becomes even more vital in shaping a generation with moral strength, capable of blending knowledge with human values and wisdom, in line with the Madani vision,” Bernama reported him as saying.

• Earlier, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and Raja Permaisuri Agong Raja Zarith Sofiah have extended Teacher’s Day greetings to educators nationwide in appreciation of their contributions and sacrifices in educating the nation’s children.

  They also expressed appreciation for teachers, describing them as a key pillar in shaping knowledgeable, well-mannered, and competitive future generations.

  

  “Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah express their appreciation for the sacrifices, patience, and dedication of teachers in imparting knowledge and instilling noble values in the younger generation,” Bernama reported.

  Their Majesties also expressed hope that the welfare of educators will continue to be strengthened, ensuring the teaching profession remains respected and capable of producing outstanding Malaysians.

Business

• Bank Negara’s RM5 billion SME Stabilisation Relief Facility (SME SRF) is open for applications by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from yesterday until Dec 31.

  Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim said eligible MSMEs could apply for financing of up to RM750,000 at a maximum interest or profit rate of 3.7 percent per annum.

  The facility will be channelled through 18 participating financial institutions, including Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia Berhad (Bank Rakyat) and SME Bank under the ministry.

  “MSMEs can apply for the financing from May 15 until Dec 31, 2026, or until the RM5 billion allocation is fully utilised,” Bernama reported him as saying.

  

  Sim also urged participating financial institutions to speed up the application, approval, and disbursement processes under the scheme to ensure assistance reaches businesses affected by current economic uncertainties quickly.

READ MORE: BNM introduces RM5b financing facility to support SMEs

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