DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang foresees possible resistance towards Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's bid to reform the school syllabus, calling it "one of the greatest challenges" for the country.

Lim was referring to Mahathir's statement that he wanted the school syllabus changed to ensure students can master all important subjects and improve their employability. 

The Iskandar Puteri MP urged all Malaysians to throw their support behind the prime minister's plan.

"The announcement by Mahathir to change the school syllabus to improve school-leavers’ employability will be one of greatest challenges for Malaysians in the new year.

"The reform of the school curriculum, so that national schools will teach everybody the important subjects that will be useful, deserves the support of all Malaysians who want an assured and bright future for future generations.

"It is time for Malaysians, regardless of race or religion, to unite to make Malaysia great, instead of focusing on lies, fear and hate," he said in a statement today.

Lim said there was no reason that Malaysia could not be a model plural society if it had a "common dream and a shared vision."

Lim also related his visit to China, noting that the country's emphasis on human capital as the most important resource of the country is worthy of emulation.