MCA has joined in the fray of those lambasting Education Minister II Idris Jusoh, stating that the latter’s comment that unhappy parents can send their children to study abroad, does nothing to resolve the people’s dissatisfaction.

NONE If anything, said MCA Youth Education Bureau chairperson Chong Sin Woon ( left ), Idris’ words only serve to “create discontent” over the recently-launched National Education Blueprint.

Chong said Idris, as education minister, was “obliged” to explain the content of the blueprint and instead of asking those unhappy with it to leave, should have been “more receptive towards public opinion on how to implement the blueprint”.

“The blueprint has received over 55,000 comments from members of the public, including experts and non-governmental organisations.

“As such, before the blueprint is formally implemented, the government should try to convince the people of its viability and practicality.

“Regretfully, Idris instead decided to make offensive statements and ignore the willingness of the people who want to participate in policy-making,” Chong said in a statement today.   

NONE On Tuesday, Idris ( left ) reportedly told a forum: “If some people feel the system is not good and want to send their children overseas to study, the government cannot stop them. But the ministry will work towards improving the country’s education system.”

This came after Chinese education groups - Jiao Zong (United Chinese School Teachers’ Association), Hua Zong (Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia) and the National Union of Heads of Schools - denied Education Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s claim that vernacular schools agreed to an extra 60 minutes of Bahasa Melayu lessons for Year Four to Year Six pupils.

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