KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 — No state had been ignored in the drafting of the History syllabus and textbook contents for primary and secondary schools, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
He said history writing was based on perspectives and public aspirations and perceptions that had been accepted.
“It was accepted by the History Syllabus and Textbook Panel of Experts comprising people from various backgrounds such as academicians, universities and historical societies,” he said when winding up the debate (Education Ministry level) on the 11th Malaysia Plan, in the Dewan Rakyat, here, today.
The education minister said the panel responsible for drafting the textbooks took into account certain basis when determining their contents.
“We cannot put in everything as there are basic considerations which can be part of history or cannot be included in the textbooks.”
The ministry conducted research and review of contents of History textbooks to ensure that they were suitable for years to come, he said to points raised by Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Bandar Kuching).
Muhyiddin said the ministry would investigate claims that History textbooks had used Prof Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim as reference without his knowledge.
“I will investigate. Perhaps he was not there during the drafting of the History syllabus,” he added.
Muhyiddin, who is also Pagoh MP, said the government aimed to implement single-session schools and specific initiatives had been set out in the Malaysian National Education Blueprint 2013-2025.
It provides strategic planning with the construction of new schools and additional buildings under the 11MP and 12MP.
As of May 1, 2015, there were 8,767 single-session schools compared to 8,705 in 2014 and 8,625 in 2013. — Bernama
