THE new education minister, once appointed, should visit schools to ensure the ministry’s policies are being implemented properly, said the teachers’ union.

National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Harry Tan said the minister should also be able to “micromanage” the ministry, which is fraught with perennial problems and subjected to political crossfire most of the time.

“Go to the ground constantly and see that what is planned is implemented effectively,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

In the interim, he said, the union has no issues working with Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the acting education minister, pending the appointment of a candidate.

The prime minister assumed the role on a temporary basis after Maszlee Malik vacated the post on January 3.

“What is important is that the minister must able to stay focused and resolve the problems that could arise,” Tan told The Malaysian Insight.

“We are apolitical and will work closely with any education minister for the betterment of our education system.

“Our needs are for constant engagement so that the minister will be able to tweak the programmes, projects, professional needs to ensure the success of government policies,” he said, adding that the ministry is the recipient of the highest budget allocation.

Tan also said Dr Mahathir, as the acting education minister, will have to address the lack of direction of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) courses conducted at vocational colleges.

“There is a need for direction and parents are disillusioned. We have been told by our members that enrolment is dropping,” he said.

Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) chairman Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim, meanwhile, said the group has always been consistent with its aspirations for the education system regardless of who helmed the ministry.

“We are committed to work with whomever holding that position,” she said.

On the changes she wishes to see, Noor Azimah said the prime minister is on the same page with the group on reinstating the teaching of science and mathematics in English and to return the glory of national schools.

The Malaysian Academic Movement (Gerak), however, said a permanent replacement must be made swiftly.

“We wish to get a permanent minister as soon as possible. We also wish for the new minister to look at our 10-point memorandum and continue pursuing its implementation,” said general-secretary Rosli Mahat.

Rosli also said the new minister will have to pay more attention in the appointment of vice-chancellors and board of directors of public universities.

“And also the issue of academic integrity. Too many cases of plagiarism, academic bullying, lack of academic accountability,” he added.

The Prime Minister’s Office said on Friday that Dr Mahathir will assume the responsibilities of the ministry until a new minister is appointed.

Former education minister Maszlee announced his decision to quit earlier this month, citing three of his decisions which were perceived to have plunged the Pakatan Harapan government into crisis.

The three decisions he named were the teaching of Jawi in vernacular schools, providing schools with internet access and the free breakfast programme.

On Wednesday, Dr Mahathir confirmed that Maszlee was asked to resign but it was not over any particular issue.

Dr Mahathir said the former education minister is not to be blamed for any of the ministry’s missteps.

He also confirmed he had met with top officials of the Education Ministry to discuss its direction soon after Maszlee quit. – January 12, 2020.