BATU GAJAH, MALAYSIA - Getting a string of As is meaningless if students fail to understand, appreciate and practice good values, said Regent of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah.

Describing excellent results as mere pakaian luaran (external appearance), Raja Dr Nazrin Shah said there would be uneven development of human capital if students failed to inculcate good morals.

"This will lead to society and the country to suffer," he said during SM Sultan Yussuf's Speech Day yesterday.

Raja Dr Nazrin Shah added that people with good moral values always hold firm to life principles especially in defending truth and justice.

Students, said the Regent, should therefore be taught not to lie or rely on leaked examination papers just to obtain higher grades.

He noted that while positions and posts could give one power, one would be judged by the people.

"There are many people who obtained positions and posts but there are not many who die with a good name," he added.

Parents and teachers, he said, should therefore balance the achievement of children by building their internal strength through inculcation of pure values.

Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, who was accompanied by Raja Puan Besar Tuanku Zara Salim, later opened the school's new hall.