The uncomfortable sacrifice: Navigating education in a politicised landscape

For over 1½ decades, the Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) has embarked on a relentless struggle for quality education in Malaysia, facing an uphill battle against a system that often prioritised political expediency over the best interests of our children. Our journey began in 2008, with our national presence solidified in 2010 as a national society.

We were met with an overwhelming groundswell of support from parents deeply concerned about the abolition of the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English (PPSMI) in 2009. This shift, under the “Uphold National Language, Strengthen English” (MBMMBI) policy, effectively sidelined English in STEM subjects, a move that many parents, particularly those who recognised the critical role of English in a globalised world, viewed with deep concern.

The impact of this policy change on families was significant. Children were denied the opportunity to develop strong foundational skills in Science and Mathematics, subjects crucial for future success in a rapidly evolving world. This not only limited their academic potential but also narrowed their future career options. Despite the strong parental sentiment against this regressive move, the government seemed to turn a deaf ear, leaving many parents feeling unheard and disillusioned.

A poignant moment during a Penang forum in January 2011 crystallised this frustration. A grandfather, echoing the sentiments of many, uttered, “Cakap cakap sajalah di sini, ada perubahankah?!” (We’re just talking here, will anything change). This sobering observation resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the sense of powerlessness and the uphill battle that lay ahead. It was a stark realisation that advocacy, while necessary, often faces significant bureaucratic and political hurdles in a system that prioritises short-term gains over long-term vision.

Thankfully, in 2015, the government introduced the Dual Language Programme (DLP), allowing parents to choose the medium of instruction for Science and Mathematics. This decision, while a victory, came after four long years of tireless advocacy by parents and concerned citizens. This delay underscores the glacial pace of policy change in the face of bureaucratic inertia and political resistance. The introduction of DLP was a step in the right direction, but it also highlighted the challenges of achieving meaningful change in a system that prioritises political expediency over the needs of students and parents.

Today, the very terms “PPSMI” and “DLP” have become politically charged, often linked to the legacies of past ministers, regardless of the educational merits of these policies. Political expediency and the personalities of politicians seem to overshadow the best interests of our children’s education. This is a far cry from the spirit of collaboration and compromise that guided our nation’s founding fathers.

The architects of Malaysia’s independence, figures who transcended racial and religious divides, recognised the importance of sacrifice for the greater good. They understood that achieving independence required collaboration and compromise from all communities. These sacrifices, thankfully, did not involve the loss of life, but rather a willingness to set aside narrow interests for the sake of a united nation.

Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s first prime minister, emphasised the crucial role of education in national development. He famously stated that “half an education is no education at all” and stressed the importance of maintaining high educational standards. He warned that a decline in educational quality would have detrimental consequences to the nation, a warning that seems increasingly relevant today. Tunku’s vision for education was not merely academic; it was about empowering all Malaysians, particularly the bumiputera, to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress. He recognised the crucial role of English as a gateway to global opportunities while emphasising the importance of Bahasa Malaysia as the unifying language. This vision of bilingual excellence would empower Malaysians to excel both nationally and internationally.

Ironically, we now face a deeply polarised education system. Children attend schools segregated along racial, religious, language and socioeconomic lines, perpetuating existing divides. While the ideal scenario would be a unified, equitable and inclusive education system that caters to the diverse needs of all students, achieving this would require significant sacrifices and compromises from all stakeholders. Unfortunately, the current climate, dominated by a culture of control and dominance, makes this seem like a distant dream.

The lack of collaboration and compromise is evident in recent developments, where states have taken matters into their own hands due to a perceived lack of leadership at the national level.

Sarawak, for instance, has asserted its autonomy in education, implementing 100% DLP and establishing its own state-level assessments. This move, while understandable given the frustration with the federal government’s handling of educational issues, further exacerbates the fragmentation of the national education system. Similarly, Johor has embarked on pilot programmes, training teachers in Singapore to improve their skills in subjects like English, Science and Mathematics, reflecting a growing trend towards decentralisation driven by a lack of trust and collaboration at the national level.

The uncomfortable truth is that unless leaders prioritise collaboration and compromise over political expediency, the dream of a truly united and high-quality education system will remain elusive. We must be willing to set aside our differences and work towards a common goal: an education system that prepares our children for the challenges of the 21st century, fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose, and empowers them to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.

This is a tribute to Tunku Abdul Rahman who would have been 122 years old on Feb 8, 2025. Al Fatihah.

The Edge