Dr M tells boys to study harder
New Straits Times – 1/6/2006
PENDANG: Boys must study harder because they will have bigger responsibilities than girls when they grow up.

The advice comes from former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who said boys need to live up to the expectations of their parents.

"Don’t tell me they want to kahwin misyar later," he said, jokingly referring to the misyar marriage, which allows Muslim men to marry a Muslim woman without having to support her.

Closing a motivational camp for 400 schoolchildren, aged between seven and 12, at Pendang MRSM here yesterday, he recalled his schooldays and said he was not the brightest among his friends.

"But, I studied very hard and I know you too can excel if you work very hard," he said.

Also present at the four-day camp, jointly organised by Sungai Tiang state assemblywoman Suraya Yaacob, the Pendang District Education Office and Pendang Headmasters’ Council, was his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.

He advised the 400 boys and girls to read extensively and to do a lot of revision for their lessons. "You must also maintain good manners to ensure you achieve excellence in life."

Citing the present trend of more girls than boys in local universities, he said: "That is why I advise you to study as hard as the girls."

At the event, Ansara, the alumni association of ex-Mara Junior Science College students, donated RM10,000 to the branch of the college in Pendang.