Latest news with #HRMI
The Sun
25-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia's low education rights ranking a wake-up call
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's performance in the latest Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI) report – ranking third-lowest in Asean for education rights – should be viewed as a constructive reminder of the work still needed to ensure inclusive, high-quality education for all, said National Association of Private Educational Institutions deputy president Dr Teh Choon Jin. The HRMI, a global collaboration involving human rights practitioners, researchers and academics, reported that Malaysia is achieving 64.4% of its potential in education rights for males and 70.7% for females, based on national income levels. Both figures fall into the 'very bad' category under the HRMI's benchmark system. Describing the findings as a 'sobering wake-up call', Teh said: 'Despite having the resources, we're still failing to ensure every child receives quality education.' He added that while Malaysia has made strides in reforming its education system, some policies have yet to deliver on the ground, especially in rural areas facing infrastructure challenges, teacher shortages and limited digital access. Teh also noted that the education system remains overly exam-orientated, which can hinder the development of essential real-world problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Addressing these issues, he emphasised the role private institutions could play in bridging gaps, especially in underserved communities. 'They can also provide tech access and support in communities lacking digital resources,' he added. He further cautioned that frequent changes in curriculum and language policy can cause confusion and added pressure for both students and teachers. To move forward, Teh urged closer collaboration between the public and private sectors. 'We need to reach out to often invisible groups such as undocumented children, refugees and youth from marginalised communities through outreach programmes, scholarships and flexible learning pathways,' he said. He added that public-private partnerships could help co-develop inclusive curricula, teacher training initiatives and digital platforms tailored to diverse student needs. Among the key reforms he proposed were amending education laws to guarantee access for all children, decentralising decision-making so schools can better respond to local challenges, and adopting equity-based funding models to channel more resources to disadvantaged areas. He also highlighted the importance of continuity in education policy. 'Teacher development must be prioritised through continuous and inclusive training. Inclusive education must be embedded in all policy and implementation frameworks to support students with disabilities and diverse learning needs. 'Fostering public-private collaboration can widen access through flexible and community-based learning models,' said Teh. 'An education system that empowers all learners is not just an investment in individuals; it is the foundation of a stronger, more united Malaysia.' Echoing these concerns, Malaysian Academic Movement secretary Rosli Mahat described the HRMI findings as 'saddening but not surprising', reflecting ongoing challenges that require sustained attention. 'Even in the Academic Freedom Index, we score only 0.3 out of 1.0,' he said. Rosli acknowledged that while access to education has improved over the years, disparities still exist. 'Unequal school facilities and the unfair distribution of teachers are major barriers. Current policies do not support inclusive education.' Rosli added that special consideration should be given for students from low-income households, first-generation university applicants and undocumented children. 'High-achieving or 'gifted' students should still be subject to a merit-based system without special privileges,' he added. Rosli also called for ensuring basic infrastructure in all schools, including electricity, clean water, internet access, sports facilities, books and teaching materials. 'We must ensure an equitable redistribution of teachers so that all schools benefit from experienced educators.' Rosli said a unified focus on meritocracy, inclusive practices and academic freedom will be essential to achieving long-term improvements. Teh said we need to reach out to often invisible groups such as undocumented children, refugees and youth from marginalised communities through outreach programmes, scholarships and flexible learning pathways. – Adib Rahwi Yahya/theSun
Scoop
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Human Rights In Aotearoa On A Downward Trend
Research released today by the Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI) raises serious concerns for how human rights are being upheld in Aotearoa New Zealand. The data is available on the HRMI Rights Tracker, showing ongoing downward trends across most of the rights associated with Safety from the State, and Empowerment. In looking at the categories under Safety from the State, the only positive news is a perfect score of 10 on Freedom From the Death Penalty. But in the past year, Freedom From Forced Disappearance has declined to 8.2, Freedom From Extrajudicial Execution has declined to 7.9, Freedom From Arbitrary Arrest has declined to 7.0 (all out of a score of 10). Deeply concerning, Freedom From Torture and Ill-Treatment sits at 6.4. Lisa Woods, Movement Building and Advocacy Director for Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand, said, "Ultimately, we're concerned that this is part of a wider raft of laws, policies and practices chipping away at the foundations of our society. We're seeing a sustained, systematic undermining of Te Tiriti and Indigenous rights. We're also seeing proposals that remove fundamental rights of people in prison, a concerning use of urgency in Parliament that in effect stifles debate, and more. "That our nation scores 6.4 out of 10 on Freedom From Torture and Ill-Treatment is shocking. Those who were identified by human rights experts to be particularly at risk of having this right violated include: people with disabilities, Māori, people experiencing homelessness, people accused of a crime, refugees and people seeking asylum, children and the rainbow community. "We have to honestly question where we are as a country. This is unacceptable, not to mention a stain on our international reputation," said Woods. In the Empowerment section of the HRMI data, New Zealand has also declined in the past year in the areas of Opinion and Expression (7.1), Participation in Government (6.4), and Freedom of Assembly and Association (7.4). Across all these categories, Māori are at or near the top of those most affected. Jacqui Dillon, Executive Director of Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand, said, "Step one for Aotearoa New Zealand is upholding Te Tiriti and the tino rangatiratanga it guarantees. "When we do, we can build a strong foundation that provides a place for us all to belong. This is exactly how we strengthen our society so that it is characterised by respectful relationships and a just framework for how we can make decisions together. "While the Government is busy setting up a hotline for road cones, it's asleep at the wheel on protecting the things that matter most to the people of Aotearoa New Zealand. "A quick look around the world will tell you that we cannot be complacent when it comes to undermining the foundations of a respectful society. This is a slippery slope. "We are stronger when human rights are not only respected but strengthened. For everyone," said Dillon.
Malaysiakini
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
M'sia scores poorly on education rights, lags behind neighbours
A report by the New Zealand-based Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI) has shown that the Malaysian government is falling behind in ensuring the right to education. In relation to its income, Malaysia has achieved only 64.4 percent of what it can be doing for males in terms of educational rights. For females, it is achieving 70.7 percent. Despite the higher female score, HRMI Southeast Asia consultant Keshia Mahmood stressed that...
