Kuala lumpur: Educational excellence must be holistic and not limited solely to academic achievement, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. In the context of holistic education, she said refined works of art were among the important elements as they highlighted the aesthetic beauty of culture and the identity of Malaysia's multiracial society. She said this in a Facebook post after witnessing a performance by students of Sekolah Seni Malaysia Kuala Lumpur (SSeMKL) in conjunction with the Kota Baca 2026 programme.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadhlina expressed her delight in witnessing the talents of SSeMKL students through singing and dance in a relaxed setting. She congratulated all those involved and expressed appreciation to teachers for their continued commitment in nurturing and developing students' talents.

Kota Baca 2026 is a national-level event held in conjunction with World Book and Copyright Day, celebrated annually on April 23. Through a hybrid approach combining physical programmes and digital platforms, the initiative aims to elevate literacy as a social norm and way of life for Malaysians.