Despite the hype, education professionals in a high-powered independent review panel have found the Education Ministry’s proposed National Education Blueprint draft wanting.

“While the panel admits that the blueprint is an interesting document, we are not convinced that the approach contained within can fulfill the aspirations and expectations of civil society and interested parties,” said the panel in its review of the document.

Malaysiakini had sight of a document which sources claimed is a report delivered by the panel.

The panel had rejected the use of the terms “anjakan” (shift), as the 11 points specified in the draft blueprint were nothing more than “refinement, enhancement, improvement and enrichment” then any groundbreaking “shift” in paradigm.

Even so, committee did find five of the 11 proposed “shifts” to be cogent pillars for education reforms.

The five areas are:

  • A systematic strengthening of the teaching profession;
  • Improving the quality of instructional leadership and school level management;
  • Restructuring the role and responsibilities of agencies under the Education Ministry;
  • To increase understanding of universal good values;
  • To increase participation and inclusion of parents and local communities in education matters.

However, the panel believes that not enough emphasis is given on developing the education system, beyond providing guidelines for ministry officers.

“The blueprint draft forwarded, is more of a document which offers a lot of guidelines to Education Ministry officials, and does not really offer anything new or extraordinary to the community.”

The committee also asked to be kept in the loop regarding development of the blueprint to its conclusion.

Dzulkifli: Decision to accept feedback ministry

When contacted, the independent review panel head Dzulkifli Abdul Razak said that the body had indeed reviewed the Education Ministry document and met its officers for discussions.

He said that the panel had completed its term and delivered its final report, and so, the ball is now in the ministry's court, to decide on what to do next.

"We are not aware of the latest on this issue since then as the ownership of the blueprint is the Education Ministry's." he replied.

While not verifying if the document sighted by Malaysiakini was indeed the report his committee sent to the ministry, he said that while reports were sent as a source of reference for the latter to further develop the blueprint, the decision to accept or reject the feedback is entirely the ministry's.

He also warned that until the final blueprint is out, it is "highly undesirable" to speculate on it.

Malaysiakini was given sight of the document from a source who also alluded to the committee head being sidelined from ministry functions after the final report was sent.

When quizzed on the source claim that Dzulkifli is now “persona non grata” (unwelcomed) by the ministry for the committee's criticism of the blueprint draft, he denied such speculations.

"There is no formal contact with the Ministry once our term has expired. And this is not unusual. To suggest that I am made persona non grata at Ministry events is mischievous to say the least.

“I still receive invitation to several ministry's events... including to speak at their events. I still participate actively and independently as a professional in many of their discussions, directly or indirectly."

 

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