Child development: Don't leave it entirely on teachers - Rafidah Aziz

The proper nurturing process of children is vital towards ensuring Malaysians live in a moderate society.

Former Cabinet Minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz said the child's development should not be entirely left on the shoulders of teachers in school.

"It is important that we inculcate good behaviour in our children since they are young so that negative elements such as xenophobia does not creep into them as they grow older," said Rafidah.

"The nurturing must start at home by the parents. We cannot wait until they have grown and enter school to be handled by the teachers," she added.

Rafidah said a culture of open-mindedness needs to be put in place in order for Malaysia to progress further.

"The unnecessary politicking and hypocrisy must stop to prevent divisiveness among us," said Rafidah.

She said this during her keynote speech at the 2nd Annual National Conference at the International Institute of Advance Islamic Studies (IAIS) in Kuala Lumpur.

The half-day conference titled, 'Our Future: The Way Forward' was organised by Harmony Malaysia.

Among those who were invited are prominent youth debater Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and former BAR Council Chairman Christopher Leong.

Asked on how Malaysians can move forward, Syed Saddiq said youths must be more courageous in voicing out their opinions.

"However, I am not asking them to break rules or curse. Just make sure, the opinions are voiced in a civil manner," he said.