EDUCATION groups today expressed hope the new education minister would continue the work of Dr Maszlee Malik to reform the education sector.

National Union of Teaching Profession (NUTP) president Aminudin Awang said it was evident that as an academician Maszlee was committed to improving the country’s education system.

“He had embarked on various programmes for a better education system, among them restoring dilapidated schools in Malaysia, introducing the school breakfast programme, and reducing corruption in the ministry,” he said.

He added that the new education minister would have to address issues relating to the teachers’ work burden, technical and vocational education, and training and education for all, especially those with disabilities.

Maszlee announced his resignation as education minister, effective today, at a press conference at his office yesterday.

Malaysian Muslim Teachers’ Association president Mohd Azizee Hasan hoped the new head of the Education Ministry would be able to realise the aspirations of the government for the education system and address the current controversies surrounding the sector.

“I view the change of minister not as affecting the existing education policies but as strengthening the education system despite facing challenges from those who are not in favour of the Education Ministry’s policies,” he said.

National Higher Education Fund Corporation chairman Wan Saiful Wan Jan said on Facebook that Maszlee’s work would not be forgotten.

“A great responsibility rests on the shoulders of anyone who holds the position. I am confident that his legacy as education minister will not be forgotten. Thank you Dr Maszlee for all your efforts,” he said.

Malaysian Youth Council vice-president Mohd Izzat Afifi Abdul Hamid in a statement said he hoped that Maszlee would continue to contribute to the development of education even though he had resigned.

“Introducing reforms in the education sector is not the duty of the minister or the Education Ministry alone, it is also the duty of us Malaysians,” he said in thanking the former education minister for his service and reform ideas. – Bernama, January 3, 2020.