IN the wake of Maszlee Malik’s resignation as education minister, various names have been proposed as his replacement. Possible candidates touted include:

1. Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah;
2. former international trade and industry minister Mustapa Mohamed;
3. Jomo Kwame Sundaram, a notable economist;
4. Mohd Sham Mohd Sani, former vice-chancellor of the National University of Malaysia;
5. Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar.

It cannot be denied that Maszlee brought about some notable reforms during his 20 month tenure. However, it was also marred with controversy. During his press conference on January 2, Dr Maszlee was quoted as having said:

“I have been seen to be the cause of many crises, including the Jawi calligraphy issue, internet at schools and the free breakfast programme.”

It is undeniable that the education portfolio is rife with catch-22s, resulting in this particular position being a less than desirable one.

The medium of instruction for Mathematics and Science

The Teaching and Learning of Science and Mathematics in English (PPSMI) programme was first introduced by Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 2003. It was not without its opposition.

Subsequently, PSMI was replaced with the “Enhancing Bahasa Malaysia, Strengthening the English Language” policy in stages from 2010, which among others, resulted in Mathematics and Science being taught in the national language.

At the time, Muhyiddin Yassin, the current home minister, was the education minister.

In or around 2015, the Education Ministry introduced the Dual Language Programme, wherein schools that had opted in for the programme could teach Mathematics and Science in English.

As at January 2018, it was reported that 1,303 schools had participated in the DLP.

In 2019, Dr Mahathir announced that the government is assessing a policy to reintroduce PPSMI in public schools in detail.

The National Muslim Students’ Association (PKPIM), the Muslim Youth Movement (Abim), the Linguistics Association of Malaysia, Amanah Youth, PSM Youth, and Gerakan, have all voiced their disagreement with the proposal for Maths and Science to be taught in English. Meanwhile, groups like the Parent Action Group for Education (Page) have been consistent in its support for  Mathematics and Science to be taught in English.

The continued existence of vernacular schools

Vernacular schools have at times been blamed for the worsening race relations in Malaysia.

Recently, the Mufti of Perlis was quoted as having said:

“As long as vernacular schools that do not use the national language are not eliminated from the country, then the conflict and unrest between races will remain.”

The very existence of vernacular schools has also been legally challenged, and is still being contested.

At the same time, it is indisputable that vernacular schools have been in existence in Malaysia for a long time. Vernacular schools are also close to the hearts of many Malaysians and its existence will be staunchly defended by groups like Gerakan, the Malaysian Chinese Language Council, and Dong Zong (The United Chinese School Committees’ Association of Malaysia).

The recognition of the United Examination Certificate

According to the Dong Zong, the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) is the unified examination for Independent Chinese Secondary Schools in Malaysia. The first known Unified Examination was held in 1975, and reached its 44th year in 2018.

In the past, senior members from the federal government and federal opposition have proposed to officially recognise the UEC as an entry qualification to public universities and federal public services.

The proposal has received severe backlash from groups like PAS, Gerakan Pembela Ummah (Ummah), Perkasa, Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung, and Umno Youth.

Conclusion

The three examples given above are just a few examples of hot button issues any education minister will have to face. Unfortunately, such issues are highly politicised and therefore, if the minister were to take a hardline stance on any of the given issues, he or she risks alienating an entire voter base to the detriment of his or her party or coalition.

It would then appear that the ideal candidate for the education portfolio would be someone who is a moderate and has immense goodwill with all sides of the political divide (and is able to maintain said goodwill throughout his or her tenure at the Education Ministry).

* Joshua Wu reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.