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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
BusinessToday
22-06-2025
- Politics
- BusinessToday
Reform The Education System, No Time To Cut Corners
In recent years, concerns regarding the state of education in Malaysia have been raised across various platforms, with social media providing a space for both parents and citizens to express their frustrations. Issues such as teenagers struggling to form coherent English sentences, alongside the widespread use of shortcuts in the national Malay language, have compromised proper language use and understanding, affecting other educational areas such as STEM, which relies heavily on clear and precise language to foster innovation and problem-solving. These discussions highlight a growing concern about the quality of education. The Education Ministry (MOE) must address this issue immediately because the stagnation in Malaysia's education system is not simply reflected in statistics; it directly affects the nation's long-term competitiveness and its ability to prosper in the global market. If Malaysia is to realise its full potential, education must be treated as a priority, and its focus must be broadened beyond superficial aspects like the Jalur Gemilang badges or shoe colour. MOE should be focusing on more substantial matters such as academic standards, student well-being and access to quality education for all. Statistics from the Human Rights Measurement Initiative revealed that Malaysia is falling short in terms of education rights. The country ranks third-lowest in ASEAN for education rights, ahead of only Brunei and Laos, with a score of only 67.5%. Even more troubling, this score has remained largely unchanged over the past decade, suggesting little progress has been made. This is worrying, as it indicates that we are not fully utilising the potential of our educational system, particularly when compared to other nations with similar economic standing. This underperformance is not an issue to be taken lightly. Education is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and cutting corners in this area not only jeopardises the future of Malaysians but also limits the nation's broader growth and global competitiveness. If Malaysia is to thrive on the international stage, we cannot afford to neglect our education system. Additionally, the shift towards an exam-oriented system, focused on memorisation rather than fostering true understanding, points to a deeper, systemic issue within our educational framework. Furthermore, every child deserves access to quality education, regardless of their socio-economic background, ethnicity or legal status. Denying this rights stifle potential, perpetuates inequality, and undermines the nation's progress. These challenges are most acutely felt by the most vulnerable in society. People with disabilities, those from lower social or economic backgrounds, street children and indigenous communities continue to face significant barriers to accessing quality education. The lack of equal opportunities for these groups only deepens educational inequality and reinforces socio-economic disparities. Only by addressing these systemic issues can Malaysia hope to unlock its full potential and secure its position as a competitive force in the global economy. Education is a right, not a luxury, and ensuring this right for all is essential in creating a more equitable future for the nation. The above commentary is by MCA Education Consultative Committee Deputy Chairperson Felicia Wong Yin Ting Related
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...
