THE Ministry of Education Malaysia (MoE) must implement comprehensive groundwork—including teacher training, the development of modules and a clear assessment framework—if the proposed Character Education subject is to achieve its goals, education leaders have said.
Malaysian Association of Retired Education Service Officers (5PM) President Datuk Jemale Paiman said the gradual implementation of the subject should begin at the preschool level, eventually becoming a core pillar of the 2027 School Curriculum.
“This effort is crucial to developing students’ moral character, discipline and sense of responsibility,” he said. “It is believed this approach can strengthen the moral and personal development of pupils at every stage of schooling.”
He added that academic excellence alone is no longer meaningful if the education system does not prioritise the cultivation of values, civility and national identity.
Jemale also stressed the importance of collaboration with Parent-Teacher Associations (PIBG) in enhancing student character and discipline.
“A more integrated approach can help curb disciplinary issues such as bullying, truancy and a lack of respect for teachers,” he said.
Meanwhile, President of the West Malaysia Malay Teachers’ Union (KGMMB), Mohd Sobri Yusuf, said that instilling character values must be embedded in daily routines, modelled by adults, and integrated into both the formal curriculum and co-curricular activities such as sports, religious events, literacy and the arts.
“Character Education aims to produce students with high emotional intelligence—students who can manage their emotions, show empathy and make responsible decisions,” he said.
Sobri emphasised the vital role of teachers and parents as role models, saying, “Only by setting the right example can we instil values such as integrity, discipline and patriotism across the board.”
Former president of the Congress of Unions of Teachers in the Education Service Malaysia (KONGRES), Jasni Mohd Kechik, believes the subject should have been introduced much earlier to address the growing crisis in student behaviour.
“Character Education is fundamental to a high-quality education system that nurtures students who are balanced academically, emotionally, spiritually and socially,” he said.
He stressed that values such as honesty, tolerance and empathy must be nurtured consistently through habitual practice and role-modelling.
“This subject is essential in forming a generation of students who are knowledgeable, ethical and socially responsible,” Jasni added. - October 18, 2025
