Change begins with black shoes, says Maszlee

Updated 7 years ago · Published on 26 Jul 2018 1:17AM · 4 Comments

Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik says children's sense of curiosity should be nurtured, and reading is one way of doing so. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, July 26, 2018.

MONEY saved from having to replace worn white school shoes can be used to buy books, said Dr Maszlee Malik, who recently announced the black shoes policy.

The education minister said the time students would spend on cleaning dirty white shoes every week could, instead, be used to read, thus increasing their knowledge.

“I’ve seen some comments that change should be in the brain, not on the feet. But for me, change begins with black shoes,” he said in an interview on RTM1 last night.

The programme was hosted by lawyer Sayed Munawar Sayed Mohd Mustar.

“With black shoes, the money saved (from having to replace worn white shoes) can be used to purchase books. And, the time spent on washing (white) shoes can be used to read the books.”

He said children’s sense of curiosity should be nurtured, and reading is one way of doing so.

Last week, Maszlee announced that the black shoes policy would take effect next year, following parents’ requests.

Critics of the policy include former minister Rais Yatim, who, on Twitter, questioned the need for students nationwide to switch to black shoes.

He said wearing white shoes encouraged students to be clean and disciplined.

A few days after his announcement, Maszlee said the ruling would be implemented in stages, so as to not burden low-income parents.

He said he accepts with an open heart the criticism against him over the policy, adding that it even gladdens him because it shows that people are concerned about matters related to education.

He said he is grateful for the many proposals on various issues that have been shared with the ministry.

“Now, everybody talks about education. They want the best, and are addressing the issues. This is a sign that we are on track.”

He advised teachers to encourage their students to pick up the reading habit, and parents to ensure their children have sufficient reading materials.

“That’s the role of a teacher, to be a guide and to mould the character of our children.”

Since becoming education minister on May 21, Maszlee has expressed his hope to boost Malaysians’ reading level via the National Reading Decade programme, expected to be launched by 2020. – July 26, 2018.

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Comments

  • School & public libraries must be upgraded in every way to encourage the reading habit. Books, etc, can be a kid's & adult's best friend, I have personally found out..

    Posted 7 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

  • Children must also be thought about discipline, responsibility and accountability not only reading books.

    Posted 7 years ago by Rupert Lum · Reply

  • This guy is playing the debating game. Time saved from washing white shoes to be used for reading ? As if black shoes dont need cleaning up ! The problem with debaters is one doesnt have to believe with what one proffers to the audience ! Its always about showmanship & impressing the judges in order to win the contest. Maszlee : you failed. Much better to move on , and focus on policy making.

    Posted 7 years ago by [email protected] · Reply

  • Black shoes needs less frequency in washing, hence use less water! Water scarcity is becoming a problem in many states, and is also expensive to process and transport it to the consumers. Using black shoes will certainly benefit the country and the rakyat by ways of saving water in the long run.

    Posted 7 years ago by Chris Kwan · Reply