PAKATAN Harapan Education Committee urged the Government to implement massive reforms to the Malaysian education system, as COVID-19 has upended everyone’s lives in and out.
For a start, the committee urged the Education Ministry (MOE) to craft an education master plan which would include reforms to schools, higher learning institutions and Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) nationwide.
“The long-term policy must be strategic, comprehensive and transparent to prepare our students for the post-pandemic world.
“With that in mind, we must establish the National Education Action Council (MTPK) which will comprise members from various stakeholders including the National Union of Teaching Profession (NUTP), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO), experts from the higher learning institution and non-governmental organisations (NGO),” it said, in a statement.
The committee added that both Government and Opposition members, especially those with experience in the education field, must participate in drafting and implementing the master plan.
“COVID-19 has caused serious problems to the continuity of our students’ education process. Therefore, the Government must utilise artificial intelligence (AI) and big data services to find a solution to this malaise,” it opined.
For now, the committee urged MOE to decentralise decision-making to allow schools to have autonomy on deciding the best way to move forward given the pandemic situation.
“The decision to reopen or close schools must be given to the schools and district education department (PPD), with parental consent.
“Any decision in regards to the matter must be premised on science and data obtained from health experts,” it noted.
The committee also urged the Government to implement the 2019 Committee Report of National Education Policy, which only needs the Cabinet’s nod for execution.
Dealing with “predator journals”, plagiarism
On the higher education front, the committee urged the Government to re-establish the National Higher Education Council (MPTN), as stipulated under National Council on Higher Education Act 1996.
“To ensure our varsities retain its integrity, we should not allow political personalities to get appointed into public university boards.
“Plus, a board member must only be allowed to sit for not more than two-terms,” it stressed.
The committee also urged the Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) the address the rising problem involving “predator journals” and plagiarism, which is affecting the image of local academicians, by establishing the National Research Integrity Committee as suggested by the National Science Council back in 2017.
“We just need to amend the Statutory Bodies (Discipline and Surcharge) Act to protect academic freedom and its integrity as agreed in 2019. All it needs now is the prime minister’s signature,” it noted. – Aug 29, 2021
