What key education policy changes has Minister Maszlee Malik introduced?

Question

Accepted Answer

Key Education Policy Changes Introduced by Minister Maszlee Malik

Education Minister Maszlee Malik has announced a series of policy changes aimed at reforming Malaysia's education system, focusing on easing teacher burdens, enhancing institutional autonomy, and improving student learning experiences. These initiatives encompass revisions to assessment methods, curriculum delivery, and financial aid programmes, alongside a commitment to reviewing existing policies and fostering international standards.
Enhanced Autonomy and Reduced Teacher Burden

Academic institutions are set to receive greater autonomy, with the explicit directive that they will no longer be utilized for political or governmental interests, thereby encouraging progress aligned with international standards. Concurrently, the Malaysian education quality standard 2017 system for teacher audits has been terminated, and the ministry aims to relieve teachers from clerical duties as early as the beginning of 2019, allowing them to concentrate more on nurturing and educating students.
Revisions to Assessment and Curriculum

Significant shifts are being implemented in assessment strategies, including the discontinuation of examinations for primary school students in Years One to Three from 2019, replaced by more objective assessments. Furthermore, the integrated cumulative grade point average system is no longer compulsory in public universities. In a move to enhance language proficiency, schools are encouraged to designate two days per week where only Bahasa Malaysia or English is used, and the teaching of Bahasa Malaysia in national-type Chinese and Tamil schools is to become more interactive, potentially incorporating media like films or animation series.
Financial Aid and School Uniform Adjustments

Changes have been introduced regarding financial aid and student attire. The travel ban on 429,925 National Higher Education Fund Corporation loan defaulters has been lifted from the no-fly list. However, Budget 2019 includes provisions for up to 15 per cent salary deductions for borrowers earning over RM1,000 monthly, deviating from a previous election promise. Regarding school attire, students are to wear black shoes starting next year, with a one-year grace period announced, while the specific colour of socks will be determined after stakeholder discussions.
Future Policy Reviews and Programme Development

Looking ahead, a committee will be established to review the national education policy comprehensively. The ministry also intends to review the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate in five years. Initiatives such as the MyBrain15 Programme have been postponed pending federal budget allocation, and RM12 million was allocated in Budget 2019 for Chinese independent high schools. The goal is to establish Technical and Vocational Education and Training as the preferred choice of education within five years, supported by efforts to improve teachers' English proficiency and the introduction of UNESCO Clubs in educational institutions.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

What key education policy changes has Minister Maszlee Malik introduced?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends