KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged parents to take a more active role in their children's upbringing amid concerns over negative social influences, including drug abuse, and broader challenges affecting young people's well-being.
His remarks came after Friday prayers at Al-Muqarrabin Mosque in Bandar Tasik Selatan here today, where he interacted with schoolchildren, and followed a Cabinet meeting that discussed mental health and autism.
Anwar said parents must not leave the responsibility of raising and educating their children entirely to the government or schools, stressing that family involvement was essential in safeguarding their development and future.
He said parents should be aware of their children's daily activities, including their studies, homework, the time they return home, and their social circles, particularly those that could expose them to harmful influences.
"Sometimes, parents do not even know whether their children are reading books, coming home late, completing their homework, or beginning to get involved with drugs.
"While I hear calls for the government to take action, I also want to take this opportunity to urge parents to fulfil their responsibilities,” he told reporters.
Anwar said mental health and autism were among the matters discussed at today's Cabinet meeting, underscoring the need for collective efforts to address challenges affecting children and families.
He stressed that cooperation between parents, families, schools and the government was crucial in ensuring children received proper guidance and support.
While the government had a role in addressing social and developmental challenges, parents must remain directly involved in shaping their children's behaviour, values and future, he added. - BERNAMA