Education Minister Maszlee Malik found himself in the spotlight following media reports on his announcement that school students would have to wear black instead of white shoes starting next year.

According to him, the decision was based on the overwhelming requests from parents.

The announcement, however, courted brickbats from those who accused the minister of focusing on a trivial matter when the nation's education system appeared to be in dire need of rejuvenation.

Apart from the shoes, Maszlee had also touched on other matters during yesterday's forum in Shah Alam.

He spoke on increasing engagement between schools of different streams,  reducing the workload of teachers and improving the image of the teaching profession. 

Other issues raised were:

1) From school to university

Maszlee said the ministry is studying ways to enable school-leaving certificates to be used for direct entry into tertiary institutions.

“...This is rather drastic. Picture our schooling system. If overseas, students are at school for 12 years. We are at school for 11 years, plus two years, to enter universities.

“They (students abroad) enter directly into universities after 12 years (in school). Why? The system they learn and their examinations have high value and can be used in all countries.

“This is among the researches we are doing. What is important is to ensure our school leavers are seen to be on par with international students,” he added.

2) No rush to recognise UEC

Maszlee pointed out that recognising the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) is not in Pakatan Harapan's list of promises to be implemented within 100 days in power.

“I have been consistent in saying the UEC is indeed in the (Harapan election) manifesto but I will not be hurried into recognising it.

“Whatever our decision on UEC, we will not compromise on two things - our efforts to empower Bahasa Malaysia as the national language as well as the unity and harmony of the country,” he added.

3) 'Noble values manual' for schools

The minister announced that beginning next year, schools would be furnished with a manual on “nilai-nilai murni” or noble values, which would be read out during assemblies.

“For example, we will read, for one week, about the value of speaking the truth and take inspiration from what the al-Quran and Hadith say about speaking the truth.

“We will then hold activities throughout that week on speaking the truth. This will be done from pre-school to secondary school levels,” he said.

4) Building, moving of Chinese schools

Maszlee noted that the previous government had approved 10 new Chinese primary schools to be constructed while six more were to be moved.

“The Harapan government has decided to carry on with the moving of the six schools. For the two schools where the groundbreaking process has started, these (construction) will go on and be expedited.

“(The construction of) four more (schools) will be continued following more studies while another six will be put on hold based on our financial situation,” he said.

Malaysiakini has contacted Maszlee to clarify the discrepancies in the tally he cited as it amounts to 12 schools.

5) Art, music and literature classes

Maszlee, who holds a PhD, aims to provide more space for art, music and literature in the classroom.

“Presently, art is taught in school for only half an hour. Music as well. Some schools don't even have it. This is a huge loss to our country. This is the same with literature classes as well.

“We will bring back literature classes, not only for secondary schools or the Arts Stream, but also in primary schools,” he said.

6) Improving the special needs curriculum

The minister also vowed to improve and repair the situation concerning special needs schools in Malaysia.

“It is important to have special needs education in the mainstream education system. Every school must provide facilities for special needs students and special needs teachers.

“A sign language translator will be present at all ministry and Dewan Bahasa and Pustaka (DBP) events,” he said.

7) Academic freedom and number plates

Maszlee acknowledged that universities have been over politicised, where academics seen as supportive of the government were promoted while the critical ones sidelined.

“This will not happen in 'new Malaysia'. Politics will not be the main theme in universities and I want every academic to stop being a slave to politicians.

“I will not use vice-chancellors for the purposes of my political party, and I won’t use students to welcome me.

“The most important thing is the independence of universities... academic freedom is what we promise in this administration,” added the Bersatu leader.

Maszlee also suggested that universities raise funds by selling vehicular number plates and promised to discuss the idea with the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

“For example, I am a Universiti Malaya graduate and I want to buy the number plate UM1000, I can pay half the amount to JPJ and the other half to the university,

“God willing, this method will help universities raise funds. I hope university alumni will help their alma maters. If graduates don't help, who else will?” he asked.