Excel in studies and safeguard image of the country: Najib

He said Malaysians, especially students and officials, need to show their patriotism and love for the country by contributing to development after completing their studies abroad.

"Wherever we are, we are Malaysian citizens and we need to show our love for the country. We must also show a high level of patriotism. We cannot tarnish the image of our country when we are in another country because it can project a bad image globally," he said when tele-conferencing simultaneously with ambassadors and students from five countries at his official residence in Seri Perdana, here, today.

During the 45-minute session, held in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri, he spoke to students and ambassadors from Ottawa (Canada), Manama (Bahrain), Vienna (Austria), Islamabad (Pakistan) and Moscow (Russia).

Also present were Minister of Communications and Multimedia Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Paul Low and Deputy Education Minister P. Kamalanathan.

Najib said Malaysian students who are in pursuit of knowledge abroad must become useful human capital in Malaysia's transformation into a high-income economy when they return.

"Whatever our political differences are, we cannot tarnish the image of the country abroad. Instead they must acquire as much knowledge and skills that can be utilised to develop the country," said Najib.

Meanwhile, during the same tele-conferencing, Prime Minister's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor advised students abroad to study hard and show their appreciation for the sacrifices of their parents, and to acquire knowledge to help the government develop Malaysia.

"As a mother, I would like to appeal to children to call their parents and seek forgiveness although they will not be able to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Malaysia.