MASZLEE TO FOCUS ON BOOSTING MULTILINGUALISM
‘I want to reduce dependency on textbooks, use more technology as learning tools’
THE Education Ministry will focus on using more technology and increasing the number of multilingual students. Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik said there would be efforts to introduce more languages in the national syllabus, in line with the current education development plan.
“If it is not included in the syllabus, it will be introduced as part of the co-curriculum,” he said in an interview with Bernama at his residence in Kota Damansara on Monday.
He said the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025 and Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015-2025 (Higher Education) would be continued as they had proposals that could improve the country’s international standing in education.
“We have to admit that while there are loopholes in our education system, there are also benefits that will be maintained. We probably need to fine-tune and add values to the existing plan.
“I would like to introduce an environment that is less dependent on textbooks and use more technology as learning tools.
“The most important thing is that we don’t follow texts per se, but focus on the message that you want to convey. I want to focus on the development of character among children in primary schools,” said the Simpang Renggam member of parliament.
On calls to reintroduce the Teaching and Learning of Science and Mathematics in English (PPSMI), he said the issue would be discussed by the cabinet.
“Personally, I believe in giving options to the parents and their children. If they believe that teaching is better to be done in English as the medium, we should not stop them.
“At the same time, if they understand better if it’s taught in Bahasa Malaysia or Chinese, we should not stop them either.”
He said he aspired to build a loving environment for teachers and students, where everyone respected each other, regardless of race or faith.
“The culture of respecting one another is something that is not being discussed in the learning process.
“We want to instil good values in the education institution and make it a way of life within five years.”
On the petition objecting his appointment as education minister, Maszlee said Malaysians had the right to air their views.
“We live in a democratic country. Everyone has the right to express their views. We know the people were afraid to voice out during the previous government.
“I respect the freedom of speech, but it has to be done with integrity, responsibility and without slandering or labelling people.”
Maszlee said he viewed the criticism against him as a challenge to give the best in his duties.
“People will say whatever they want, but I will let my actions speak louder than words. My value lies in my five-year performance.”