SEVERAL attendees of a forum hosted by Education Minister Maszlee Malik today criticised Putrajaya for failing to address the real issues behind the degeneration of country’s education to its “rock bottom” state.

During the forum, retired school principal V. Chakaravarthy earned thunderous applause when he said that students were burdened by subjects that were “not worth learning”, and that the quality of teachers in public schools was equally as dire.

“This is rock bottom; we must start there,” he said.

Later, academic Syed Ali Tawfik al Attas said that the government and public must accept that the education system was “broken” and beyond fixing, and urged Maszlee to consider revamping it entirely.

“Let’s face reality and state once and for all: this education system is broken,” he said.

“The theme for this dialogue is ‘Bridging the Gaps’, (but) these gaps are chasms.

“It’s not a matter of bridging anymore. We have to completely re-evaluate the system.”

Syed Ali said that Putrajaya must put “the right people” in positions of power to revamp the education system, and not simply place politically affiliated people.

“If you really want something to happen, get the right people,” he said.

“Politically affiliated people are not the right people.”

Later at a press conference, Maszlee said lawmakers would not be appointed vice-chancellors of universities.

He also hoped to work with the public in the future in efforts to improve the education system. – February 14, 2019.