DURING the debate on 12th Malaysia Plan, former Education Minister Maszlee Malik asked the Human Resources Ministry (MOHR) on what is the progress of the country’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme so that it would be in sync with the system practised in Germany.
Although the question was direct and concise, the response from MOHR triggered ire from the Simpang Renggam MP which led him to post it on social media.
“All I asked MOHR during the debate 12MP plan was how is our TVET programme being geared up to be on par with Germany’s system and I received the shortest answer ever.
“Going by the answer, I think we should be worried about TVET’s future in the country,” he added.
The one paragraph answer from MOHR is as follows: “The Government is committed to develop our future talents to meet industry requirement. The ministry will embark on three strategies. Through cooperation and input from industries, TVET programmes will be strengthened to meet market needs.
Looking at the response, netizens were unimpressed with the MOHR and said even school students could have provided a more detailed answer.
“So general like primary school reply!” user Shanker said.
User Noey added: “Daripada jawapan yg dibalas menunjukkan menteri sumber manusia sambil lewa dan tidak ambil peduli tentang tvet negara. Malang sungguh kabinet Ismail Sabri.”
(From the answer, I gather that MOHR is lackadaisical and is not bothered about TVET. What a bummer for Ismail Sabri’s Cabinet)
Netizen Farhan told Maszlee: “Ini namanya taichi, bukan nya jawapan.”
(This is called tai chi, not answering question)
During his tenure at the Education Ministry, Maszlee had been a strong proponent of the TVET programme and was pushing hard to ensure it was on par with German standard.
MOHR lacking leadership
He had also told back in Sept, 2019 for the public and students to not look down on TVET due to the potential it has in enhancing one’s skills set.
“Germany has given a lot of help and cooperation in helping us boost TVET here, while Malaysian industry players are also now directly involved with us (ministry) to structure TVET education in Malaysia.
“TVET is part of our education system. It isn’t the last resort as many still see it to be. It is a good option and the way forward in the world,” The Star reported him saying back then.
Back on MOHR’s response, user David Wong said that the answer provided by the ministry reflected on the quality of its leadership.
“Now we can confirm what level our Minister is at! So how can such minister(s) be appointed in the first place & much2 less hoping them to help develop our country educational system, human capital development & ministerial capability to improve our country’s competitiveness for growth & progress?”
User Stefanus Lucas remarked: “Nasib baik menteri! kalau la dapat anak murid jawab begini, saya minta dia salin balik jawapan dia 1,000 kali atau sampai dia insaf.”
(Lucky it was a minister! If my student had given me such an answer, I would tell him to write back it back 1,000 times until he repents). – Oct 26, 2021.
