Fadhlina Sidek's path from social activism to ministry leadership

SHAH ALAM - Earlier this year, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek expressed her intention to leverage her extensive experience as a social activist and lawyer to address significant issues within the ministry, stressing her commitment to listening to all stakeholders.

Many view Fadhlina's background as an activist and lawyer in Islamic family law and child welfare as an asset that will aid her in fulfilling her ministerial responsibilities. Before entering politics, the 45-year-old, who runs her own syariah law firm, was actively involved in promoting legal literacy in Islamic family law and child protection and safety.

So, how has she performed as one of the key figures in the Malaysian Ministry? Here are the achievements unlocked by Fadhlina so far:

Malaysian Education Development Plan 2013-2025 (PPPM):

Fadhlina has made significant progress through the PPPM by establishing a comprehensive framework with five core aspirations: access, quality, equity, unity, and efficiency. The primary goal is to continuously enhance the professionalism of teachers, thereby contributing to students' aspirational goals.

Digital devices and internet broadband connections:

Fadhlina has committed to providing digital devices and internet broadband connections to remote rural areas. This initiative aims to ensure that educators and students in these regions have reliable and stable internet connectivity for seamless teaching and learning experiences.

Financial support and supplementary meal plans for B40 students:

Fadhlina is determined to provide financial support and supplementary meal plans for students from the B40 group. Starting at the preschool level, this initiative is designed to reduce the risk of dropouts and absenteeism.

Palestine Solidarity Week:

Fadhlina appealed to opponents and critics not to disrupt the Palestine Solidarity Week taking place in the country's schools, emphasising that the programme was organised with good intentions. She urged all parties not to prejudge the event and to allow schools and teachers to conduct the programme, intended to instill humanitarian values in students.

Educational access and facilities for children with special needs:

Fadhlina highlighted the Education Ministry's ongoing commitment to providing adequate access and facilities for students with special needs to succeed in the education sector, especially with a focus on improving access to education for these children.

Financial support initiatives for flood-affected students:

The Education Ministry (MoE) has introduced 18 financial support initiatives specifically for students affected by floods. Assistance will be provided upon receiving applications, tailored to the individual needs of the applicants.

Pendidikan Manusiawi:

Fadhlina explained that this concept aligns seamlessly with the broader goals of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025 (MEB), which aims to provide education for all.

Positive achievements through the Malaysian Education Development Plan (PPPM):

Fadhlina highlighted the positive achievements resulting from initiatives implemented through the PPPM (2013-2025). The ministry ensures that the national curriculum, the core of the education system, aligns with the PPPM to keep students competitive and relevant.