20,293 teachers to undergo BTN programme next month - Mahdzir

A total of 20,293 primary and secondary school teachers nationwide who are serving in their fourth and fifth years are due to undergo the National Civics Bureau (BTN) programme, beginning next month.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said these teachers would be in the first group to undergo the 'Teachers, Builders of the Nation' programme aimed at creating awareness and boosting identity and unity among them.

He said the programme, a cooperation between BTN and the ministry would be held for three days to instil a sense of nationhood and foster knowledge on such issues as Rukun Negara, the Federal Constitution and national policies.

"Teachers play a role as agents of change in educating the young, besides countering negative perceptions, regardless of political beliefs and racial differences, to build the spirit of patriotism for the country," he said.

Mahdzir was speaking to reporters after witnessing the signing ceremony of the Notes of Cooperation with Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said at his ministry here today.

The Notes of Cooperation on the programme and training module was signed by Education Director-General Tan Sri Dr Khair Mohamad Yusof on behalf of the ministry while BTN was represented by its director-general, Datuk Ibrahim Saad.

According to Mahdzir, the training programme for teachers was the right move towards building a race with the Malaysian identity and creating well-balanced individuals.

"I have already explained the programme to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and he wants to see the module framework before it is applied," he said.

Meanwhile, Azalina hoped the effort would not stop in 2020 but would go beyond that in the face of rapid global challenges.

"It is very important that the BTN is not seen or equated with a racial organisation but as an organisation which is more Malaysian in nature.

"The Teachers, Builders of the Nation programme is a rebranding process (held) to remain relevant in shaping an excellent race," she said.