Malaysia's election into Unesco's executive board for the 2015-2019 period is a reflection of confidence of the member states in the country and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's leadership.

Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid said as a member of the executive board in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), Malaysia would continue to play an important role in realising the organisation's agenda and programmes at the international level, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.

He also thanked all parties involved in the country's efforts to win one of the seats since last year.

"A big thank you is also due to all Malaysians who prayed for our success," he said in his Facebook posting today.

Meanwhile, former director-general of Education Alimuddin Mohd Dom said the election would enable the country to share ideas with member states to further develop the education sector.

Malaysia's experience, which was more progressive in the education sector, could be a model among the Asia-Pacific region countries, Alimuddin said.

"We emphasise on education in the rural areas, establish many government agencies to develop the scientific field, and expand the people's culture," he said when contacted by Bernama .

National Council of Professors secretary-general Prof Dr Raduan Che Rose said there were a lot of other things that needed to be championed, such as improving the quality of education as a whole.

Another former director-general of Education, Abdul Ghafar Mahmud, said Malaysia was among the countries that could contribute to other countries that wished to strengthen their education system.

"The world of education in Unesco involves the development of educational programmes, involving countries which have the ability to help the less developed ones and Malaysia can play that role," he said.

Malaysia was elected to Unesco's executive board after garnering the highest number of votes among Asia-Pacific countries.

The result was announced at the 12th plenary meeting of Unesco's 38th general conference yesterday in Paris, France.

Malaysia received 165 votes, followed by Vietnam (156), Sri Lanka (149), South Korea (137), Pakistan (135), and Iran (128).

- Bernama