The Prime Minister instructs the Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) to end antiquated bureaucracy and stop making decisions on behalf of universities.
Speaking at the launching of the Global Intellectual Discourse 2024 at Universiti Malaya on Monday (Jan 22), Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the ministry must give some space and allow universities to decide on their priorities and proceed with their programmes.
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Speaking at the launching of the Global Intellectual Discourse 2024 at Universiti Malaya on Monday (Jan 22), Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the ministry must give some space and allow universities to decide on their priorities and proceed with their programmes.
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NewsTranscript
00:00 For the launch of the Wacana Global Committee 2024, 3, 2, 1
00:09 Now we are not here to deny the fact that we have achieved
00:20 formidable growth, unity, certain level of education
00:31 that can be seen to be rather competitive in the region.
00:35 But we look at the bare facts, some of these that is concerning.
00:43 Let us refer to the latest Paisa report.
00:47 Now Paisa is of course not the compelling case to ascertain the level of success.
00:58 But it is a measure.
01:00 Out of 81 countries selected in the Paisa analysis,
01:10 we are number 51, low one third in terms of achievement particularly mathematics, science and English language.
01:22 Among the 7 ASEAN countries, 7 ASEAN countries, you are the worst off.
01:30 There is no reason whatsoever given our resources and the level of achievement in the past, we have gone this way.
01:42 The standard excuse is because of COVID-19.
01:45 Now COVID-19 impacted on all these countries, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore.
01:54 Why is it we have failed in this goal?
02:03 These are questions that we must ask before we embark on discussing the future.
02:11 You must know the state of our affairs and cannot be in the state of denial.
02:17 Of course we have to take note of the successes, yes.
02:22 But we must also commit ourselves to embarking upon this reform agenda.
02:31 I will start with the news that is not as good as the Paisa report.
02:37 But this is also related to other things.
02:44 The question of TIMSS, the question of Intradigital, the question of the future curriculum, the question of pre-school,
02:54 in all these categories we are left behind.
02:57 Therefore, with the new Minister of Education, I have moved to look at the pre-school system again.
03:07 If we say that 80% of the students are pre-school students, with different categories,
03:14 maybe 40% are good, the rest are mediocre, and around 20% are very weak.
03:23 So it is not up to 50%.
03:26 In a short time, make sure that this year, 2024,
03:31 we provide additional facilities so that the opportunities for pre-school are managed by the Ministry of Education,
03:43 which means providing facilities to all students in our country.
03:49 Now, for the benefit of Jeffrey Sachs, I will say, once we need to undertake major reform,
03:56 including education, higher education, we have to take stock of the stark realities of the gross inequality.
04:05 A ministry has to plan ahead.
04:09 Implementation means the next few years.
04:14 We are left behind years, compared to some countries, a decade.
04:19 Most countries, five years.
04:21 And we can't plan and start implementing in 2027.
04:27 I want at least some measures, some form of implementation to be undertaken now, this year.
04:36 No excuse.
04:38 We talk about artificial intelligence.
04:40 We have small funds, outside the budget, to start with one faculty.
04:49 But I would certainly encourage universities to expand that program.
04:55 I've instructed even the Ministry of Higher Education.
04:57 The ministry must give some space,
05:03 and to allow for universities to decide their priorities, inform the ministry and proceed.
05:10 And the old form of bureaucracy for the ministry to decide on behalf of the universities must end.
05:25 Now, I'm suggesting this plainly because of the urgency,
05:34 and recognizing the fact that in some areas, and particularly in the Paisa report, to me it's very disturbing.
05:41 If we use a normal pace, we will be left behind.
05:47 So please, be assured, you can use this forum, and criticize the Prime Minister, or our policies.
05:56 You shouldn't feel that you'll be under threat.
06:02 Of course, I would say don't use this forum to incite racial hatred and religious bigotry.
06:10 But other than that, you are free.
06:12 Because I think the country requires a new culture of healthy exchanges and intellectual discourse.
06:24 So I hope this can be touched upon and encouraged by our friends,
06:32 because it shows that the future certainly needs some changes.
06:37 Thank you.
06:39 [end]