Parents sacrifice essentials to afford costly education
Many parents were willing to spend significant amounts of money on their children's education to the detriment of other essential expenses, leading to a worrying trend.
SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian education system continues to face obstacles and financial challenges are a major reason it could not progress further.
Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs chief executive officer Dr Tricia Yeoh highlighted the issue, pointing to the increasing financial pressure placed on families due to the high cost of private and international schooling.
Yeoh revealed that many parents were willing to spend significant amounts of money on their children's education to the detriment of other essential expenses, leading to a worrying trend.
"I know there are many families who cannot actually afford private or international school fees, yet they are willing to do so.
"The approach is to save bit by bit and they do not spend that money on anything other than education. This has been going on for a while and it is worrying," Yeoh said.
She also highlighted the importance of including politics in the education syllabus saying that students should understand fundamental concepts like the Parliament, the constitution and the influence of politics on daily decisions.
She said the changes to education policies, often made by politicians without thoroughly researching the current situation, have long-term negative effects.
Yeoh said this during Sinar Harian's Meja Bulat Diskusi Mencipta Resolusi roundtable discussion entitled "Sistem Pendidikan Malaysia: Selepas 60 Tahun, Di Mana Silapnya?" (Malaysian Education System: After 60 Years, Where Did It Go Wrong?) broadcast on Sinar Harian's digital platforms, last night.
Joining Yeoh on the panel were former higher education deputy minister Datuk Dr Ahmad Masrizal Muhammad, former education minister Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin and former education ministry secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Zulkurnain Awang.
