'Politicians have always been 'intruders' says educationist

SHAH ALAM - Politicians are "intruders" in the education system, which has led to the current crisis faced by the country today.

This bold statement was made by Malaysia Association for Education president Datuk Satinah Syed Saleh during the Sinar Daily's Wacana English Edition, themed Failing SPM: What Is Happening? She further pointed out that Malaysians, including education experts, were unhappy with the systems and that something must be done to stop changing the policies.

In a shocking revelation by Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying earlier this week, some 30,000 out of a total of 407,637 registered candidates did not sit for the exam in 2022.

More worryingly, 93,647 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates have not obtained the examination certificate for two years since 2020.

"So, do something about it, but don't keep changing the policies. "If we keep changing policies, then we need to get politicians out of this business.

"They've always been the intruders, coming and going. You know, whatever good policies they come up with will be put away because of their interests above all of these things," Satinah said.

Satinah also said that it was time for the Education Ministry, parents, and the public and private sectors to come together and collaborate, partner up, and share the knowledge and responsibility of educating the nation.

"This is our country. You cannot allow things to happen; we should be able to make noise," she stressed.

Other speakers are Parent Action Group for Education Chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim, Teach for Malaysia chief executive officer Chan Soon Seng, and moderated by Meor Addelan.