The prime minister said while it is not necessary for them to be involved in politics, they should be aware of current developments.

“It is not necessary for you to be totally involved in politics, but you should know what is happening in the country and at the very least, you should vote during election,” Bernama quoted him as saying at Perdana University’s third convocation ceremony here today.

Mahathir also urged the public to not stop learning as education is “a lifetime job”.

The 93-year-old prime minister said if Malaysia wants to progress and be recognised as a fully developed country, the people must be fully educated.

He said today’s education was not only about learning history or literature, but was more about learning new sciences that are revolutionising industries in the world.

“Even business is now affected by new technologies. Therefore, it is important for Malaysian youths to be trained.

“So please do not stop learning, education is a lifetime job because what I knew when I graduated in 1954 is no longer relevant today.

“We always want to move forward, and to move forward we need to develop new knowledge,” Bernama quoted him as telling the audience.

At the convocation ceremony, Mahathir, who is also the founding Chancellor of Perdana University, was conferred the Honorary Doctor of Philosophy Degree for Global Peace and National Reconciliation, while his wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, was conferred the Honorary Doctor of Philosophy Degree for Women and Community Development.

This is the first time that Perdana University has conferred the honorary degrees which are the highest awards given by the university.

This year, a total of 82 people received their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Medicine, Occupational Therapy and Bioinformatics, while 26 others received their certificates in Foundation in Science, Bernama reported.