PUTRAJAYA, Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has called on the country's youth to prioritise education as the foundation in efforts to build and advance the nation. He said the Malay community, in particular, must step forward to prove their capabilities and show their potential. 'I hope that we will study diligently and master knowledge as it is crucial for our future,' he said in his address to ITM/ UiTM Graduates here today. He also described Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) as a special institution of higher learning that plays a significant role in empowering the Malays. UiTM celebrated its 25th anniversary as a university on Aug 28. According to Dr Mahathir, the university, formerly known as Institut Teknologi MARA (ITM), started as the Rural Industrial Development Authority (RIDA) Training Centre established in 1956 in Petaling Jaya to train Bumiputera in business and commerce and assist in the development of rural communities. Dr Mahathir also emphasised that the Malay community has abilities that are on par with other ethnic groups. 'The question is whether we are utilising our abilities. If there are shortcomings, we should strive to address and improve them,' he added. Source: BERNAMA News Agency