Don't rush national education roadmap, ministry urged

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 — Fearful at the impact to children’s futures, an education lobby group called for National Education Blueprint 2013-2025 to be rolled back to allow more time for further study and public feedback.

The coalition of 25 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) calling itself Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia (GBM) voiced disappointment at Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s announcement last Friday that the ministry would be going ahead with its scheduled launch of the education roadmap on September 6.

“We call on the Ministry of Education to extend the closing date of the blueprint consultation so as to allow civil society organisations more time to study the final draft,” GBM chairman Tan Yew Sing told reporters at the KL Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall here.

The coalition had submitted a memorandum last November, with 15 recommendations to reform the education system, including on vocational education, vernacular education and the teaching of history.

Tan urged the ministry to reveal the recommendations that have been adopted as well as the ones that have been dropped, and its reasons behind the decision.

“We need the final draft, let us look at it and discuss.

“This is not proper, this is not the essence of public accountability,” he said of the seemingly rushed manner of rolling out the highly anticipate education blueprint.

GBM adviser Lim Teck Ghee pointed out that the coalition had worked hard to come up with the 15 recommendations which should not be taken lightly.

“Up till this day, there is no response from the government.

“Education is too important an issue to be made a political football,” said Lim, who is also director of the Centre for Policy Initiatives.

He questioned the rush to launch on September 6, noting that it was before the Umno election.

He said Muhyiddin should at least reveal the 20 major changes in the education blueprint out of the 17,000 supposed changes.

“We need to see the report, what is so top secret about the report that they want to implement it before we see it.

“Release the report without further delay, if not, we will continue to oppose until we know there has been public feedback on the final draft and consultation is completed.

Datuk Thasleem Mohamad Ibrahim, chairman of the National Indian Rights Action Team (NIAT), lashed out at the education minister for reportedly insisting on proceeding with the blueprint despite public dissent.

“This is the height of arrogance,” Thasleem said, referring to Muhyiddin’s reported steadfastness to implementing the Education Blueprint without delay.

“Don’t look at anybody who criticises policies as the opposition.

“We appeal to Barisan Nasional lawmakers who should look beyond their political masters.

“It is time for the opposition to wake up from slumberland and it is time to be serious,” Thasleem said, urging lawmakers from the ruling Barisan Nasional and opposition bloc Pakatan Rakyat to work together for the good of the country’s education system.