JOHOR Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has urged the Federal Government to revamp the nation’s education system to ensure that the younger generation remains globally competitive.
Speaking at the opening of the third term of the 15th state legislative assembly, Tunku Ismail pointed out the necessity for proactive measures and curriculum changes to address subjects that are becoming obsolete.
“If this cannot be done at the national level, let Johor become the first state to change the syllabus in our schools.
“Quality education is the basis of a developed state. It will help solve various issues and bring more job opportunities to the next generation,” he said when opening the third term of the 15th state legislative assembly sitting here on Thursday (May 9).
“It has always been my priority to ensure that the people of Johor have food on the table, access to basic amenities, healthcare and quality education.”
The Johor Crown Prince referenced a recent World Bank report and Malaysia’s subpar performance in the Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) as indicators of the urgent need for educational reform.
“If we do not face those realities, we should not complain when our next generation is less competitive compared to their peers. New initiatives that are more proactive are needed to equip youths to face upcoming challenges.”
Moreover, he noted Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to achieve top-tier performance in international assessments such as the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study and Pisa, as outlined in the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025.
He also called upon all 56 Johor assemblymen to contribute to eradicating hardcore poverty in the state by 2026.
“I decree that there should be no more heads of household listed as hardcore poor after the end of 2025.
“There are 19 months left for you to identify and look for them, and give them the necessary assistance to lift them out of hardcore poverty, through programmes by government agencies, private sector and non-governmental organisations.” – May 9, 2024
