Najib: Acquire knowledge to stay on par with ASEAN community

Towards the establishment of the ASEAN Community by year-end, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has reminded the people to prepare themselves to acquire knowledge that is relevant to the current situation.

He noted that in the face of intense competition, the country could be left lagging behind if the people were unable to compete with other countries.

"Towards regionalism, namely the ASEAN Community where tariff rates between countries are lowered, our country needs to cooperate and at the same time remain competitive with other countries.

"Those who are unable to withstand the competition will lag further and further behind and will not be able to progress.

"Therefore, we have no choice but to face up to this situation by acquiring the relevant knowledge," he said during a speech at the celebration of the Cheras Education Foundation's 15th anniversary and Bestari Teacher Award 2015 yesterday.

During the ceremony, Najib also announced a special RM100,000 allocation to SMK Cheras to be used by a group of pupils from the school for a performance in Turkey.