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KUALA LUMPUR: The government should establish an apolitical “national action council for education” to tackle post-pandemic education problems affecting primary school children, suggests former education minister Dr. Maszlee Malik(Photo).
He said that the Covid-19 pandemic had prevented nearly a million students from progressing in their education, especially in preschool and freshmen and sophomores.
Referring to these school-age children as the “lost generation,” Maszlee said they are struggling with basic skills like reading, writing and speaking.
“The lack of normal teaching and learning for almost a year has slowed down this educational process.
“(Many) of them still cannot read, write or count. These are skills they should have at their age, ”he said at a press conference in Parliament on Wednesday (December 16).
Maszlee said the proposed council, if established, should include stakeholders such as representatives of educational NGOs and parliamentarians with experience in the education sector from both sides of the political divide.
“A comprehensive solution can be produced if the Minister of Education is willing to cooperate regardless of political parties or ideologies.
“Although MPs have raised this issue on numerous occasions, there is still no clear and serious solution from the ministry to save this ‘lost generation’,” he added.
Maszlee also criticized Chief Minister (Education) Dr. Radzi Jidin’s closing speech on Tuesday (December 15), saying that it did not reflect the ministry’s seriousness in addressing this issue.
“I asked if the ministry has a master plan ready for these kids when they enroll in their first and second years next year, but I got no response,” he said.
Maszlee emphasized that issues related to education should not be politicized, as it involves the future of nearly a million Malaysian children.
“Let’s move forward together, put aside our differences and prioritize education,” he added.
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