KUALA LUMPUR – As the nation awaits Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to appoint his cabinet, educationists have shared their hopes for the future of Malaysia’s education system.
Former education director-general Tan Sri Alimuddin Mohd Dom said the new government should appoint an education minister who is highly qualified, healthy, and fit.
“My hope is that our education system will be on par with other developed countries, as it is a huge investment for national development.”
Alimuddin told The Vibes that the government needs to emphasise the development of STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), as many industries depend on robotic systems.
“Apart from that, we should advance digitalisation, because there has been a significant surge in development recently with the usage of ICT, computers, and other devices.”
He added that pupils are getting into coding, so it would be advantageous to increase digitisation in education.
Alimuddin, who is also chairman of the National Islamic Education Committee, said education in rural areas needs to be a priority.
“Compared to schools in cities, schools in such areas lack basic facilities.
“Therefore, the government should put more emphasis on furniture, equipment, books, and trained teachers in rural schools.”
Meanwhile, Tunku Munawirah Putra, honorary secretary of Parent Action Group for Education, said anyone can be a good education minister if they can put Malaysia’s education system in the world’s top 10 in 10 years.
“Though we know this is a big task that needs teamwork, it does require one person to take the leap in leadership to steer us in the direction of the desired achievement.”
She also weighed in on the curriculum of some of the state religious schools that require students to complete both SPM and SMA (Sijil Menengah Agama), which is a dual-track system.
“The question is, how many are able to complete both certificates when we know that the statistics of dropouts from public schools are a worrying trend?
“How many will make it from the religious schools, and what becomes of those who do not?”
“I would like to suggest that state religious schools evaluate their curriculum and improve on the subjects of mathematics and science, with the choice of a dual language programme and vocational options.”
Anwar has yet to appoint his cabinet members after taking his oath of office on Thursday. – The Vibes, November 27, 2022
