Do we have the wrong Education Minister?
Published on: Sunday, May 04, 2025
Published on: Sun, May 04, 2025 Text Size: IT is appalling that we have an Education Minister who while admitting English is important, puts obstacles when parents demand that their children need Dual Language Policy classes, as a constitutional right. Not too long ago she condoned the cos play of pupils pretending to be Gaza war victims, thus radicalising them. Now she wants to introduce Asean languages as elective subjects, when what we want our children to excel in are just Bahasa and English. Many wonder why Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar continues to keep her in that very important portfolio. What we are told is that her late dad was Anwar's inspiration. If so, he is placing personal interests above the nation's. What we need is a progressive Education Minister who can make sure that if there are no jobs for our children in Malaysia, they can make a living in other countries. I fear generations to come may not be able to find jobs both at home and abroad, all because of a politicised Education Ministry and its flawed policies and vision. Sabah had better emulate Sarawak on education or lose our support. Promote use of English and Bahasa both as medium of instruction and communication at official level, in the spirit of MA63. The State Government cannot ignore the call for education autonomy, following the amendment to the Federal Constitution reverting the status of Sabah and Sarawak to that of equal partners. Pro-Sabahans The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
an hour ago
- Daily Express
Social media shapes voter views, says ex-New Sabah Times editor
Published on: Thursday, June 12, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 12, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Social media has a powerful influence on how voters perceive political parties, candidates, and key issues, says former New Sabah Times chief editor Ch'ng Boon Heng. He noted that beyond traditional campaigning, parties now use social media to connect with voters more directly and effectively. Advertisement While traditional media still plays a role, Ch'ng said its slower dissemination makes it less impactful compared to the immediacy of social platforms. 'People rely heavily on social media for information today, but they must be cautious about spreading unverified content. Fake and misleading information is a real concern,' he warned. Commenting in conjunction with National Press Day, Ch'ng emphasised that social media is now a vital tool in shaping public opinion and daily communication. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
an hour ago
- Daily Express
Veteran journalist urges HAWANA 2026 be held in Sabah
Published on: Thursday, June 12, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 12, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Veteran journalist Joseph Bingkasan has called for Sabah to host the 6th National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) next year, citing the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the need to reflect true national inclusivity. 'HAWANA has been held four times in Peninsular Malaysia and once in Sarawak. It's time for Sabah,' he said, adding that hosting it here would embody the essence of One Malaysia under the Madani Government. Advertisement Speaking after this year's celebration at WTCKL on June 14, Bingkasan urged the state government to back Sabah's bid and hoped the event would also involve communication students, especially from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). 'Such exposure is crucial for aspiring media professionals,' he added. HAWANA, first held in 2018, is an annual event to honour the contributions of journalists and promote the development of Malaysia's media industry. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
an hour ago
- Borneo Post
Sarawak supports Motac's bid to regulate tourism transport after deadly Gerik bus crash
KUCHING (June 12): The federal government's proposal to return regulatory powers over tourism-related transport to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) is a step in the right direction, said Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. He said the tragic bus crash in Gerik, Perak, on June 9, which claimed the lives of 15 university students, highlighted serious lapses in transport safety oversight, making any effort to improve public safety both necessary and welcome. 'If that intention becomes a reality and it can improve the roads and the system we are having now, of course I would welcome it. And I think it's not just me, because it's all Malaysians who would welcome it,' he told a press conference at the Baitul Makmur II Building here today. When asked whether Motac has the expertise to take on the responsibility, Abdul Karim said the ministry must develop the right approach on its own. He stressed that the issue is not merely about reallocating responsibility, but about ensuring a coordinated and effective enforcement framework. 'I know it's not easy, because this relates to JPJ (Road Transport Department), technology platforms, enforcement and many agencies are involved but coming up with ideas is one thing. Making sure they work is another,' said Abdul Karim. Citing media reports, he pointed out that the bus driver involved in the crash had 18 outstanding traffic summonses, and the vehicle had more than 20. 'That means something is wrong. So, if there is any entity, be it a ministry or any other body, that can address this problem and make the system better, of course we will support it,' he said. In the aftermath of the crash, Motac renewed its call to regain regulatory authority over tourism vehicles, arguing that the current system, overseen by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), lacks a comprehensive safety framework. The ministry said that the earlier transfer of regulatory powers away from Motac created a void in oversight, weakening Malaysia's transport safety assurance mechanisms, particularly as the country prepares for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. The incident has reportedly raised concerns among international stakeholders involved in tourism and student exchange programmes across Asean, the Middle East, China, Japan, and South Korea, potentially affecting Malaysia's image as a safe travel destination.
