PM: QUALITY EDUCATION AVAILABLE TO ALL
Democratisation of education has become reality in Malaysia, says Najib
THE democratisation of education has become a reality in Malaysia, where everyone has access to quality education. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said this was evident in the government’s decision to allocate RM56 billion to strengthen the education sector.
He said this amount was twice the allocation for education in other Asean nations.
“As head of government, I am proud that the democratisation of education has become a reality, where access to quality education is enjoyed by all.
“If we (Barisan Nasional) are given the mandate for the next five years (in the 14th General Election), we will continue this,” he said, adding that the country’s education sector received the highest focus in the government’s agenda.
Najib, who is BN chairman and Pekan parliamentary seat candidate, was speaking at the districtlevel celebration of Teachers Day and Education Excellence at DRB-Hicom University of Automotive Malaysia here yesterday.
Present were his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, and four BN candidates for state seats under the Pekan parliamentary constituency — Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Harun (Chini), Datuk Seri Sh Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali (Peramu Jaya), Datuk Khairuddin Mahmod (Pulau Manis) and Datuk Mohd Fakhruddin Mohd Ariff (Bebar).
Also present were Pekan Umno division education bureau chairman Datuk Ibrahim Awang Ismail, Yayasan Pahang general manager Datuk Mahmud Mohd Nawawi and district education officer Miftah Surif.
Najib, who is a former education minister, said the government was committed to education because not only was it part of nation-building, but it could also produce students who grew into individuals equipped with skills to improve their lives.
He said access to education in Malaysia was at the level where it was up to an individual’s determination to make use of it to realise his potential and aspirations.
“It is not limited to socio-economic status, where he is at now or his skin colour, but it is based on his determination to succeed.
“I wish to see students possess knowledge, higher-order thinking skills, leadership, dual-language proficiency, spirituality and national identity.”
He said it was part of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025 to transform the nation into an advanced high-income economy, in line with National Transformation 2050.
“Coding will be introduced in the education system. STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and mathematical engineering will be a focus. Dual-language education will be strengthened.
“We will ensure the nation is highly regarded internationally.
“Success is never ending, failure is not final.”
He said he would ensure teachers’ welfare was taken care of.
“When I was education minister, I ensured the government introduced time-based promotion, a first in the civil service, for the education sector.”
Najib said the government recently introduced the DG56 promotion grade to increase teachers’ chances for career advancement.