Don’t force ‘irrelevant’ subjects on undergrads, says Syed Saddiq

 

There should be a greater focus on producing students who are more competitive, says Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

PETALING JAYA: Former youth and sports minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said university students should be given a choice to take subjects they feel are relevant to their courses.

He said currently, undergraduates have to take compulsory subjects which had nothing to do with their courses, citing the example of law students having to take a class on Islamic civilisation.

Other “irrelevant” but compulsory subjects include Malaysian studies, ethnic relations, data management and analytics.

“Don’t get me wrong. While these are good subjects, they do not need to be made compulsory. They should be electives,” he said in a Facebook post.

The Muar MP said this is the sentiment shared by undergraduates at local universities.

He went on to say that if students were forced to take these subjects, it would take them six to seven years to graduate.

In Singapore, the UK and Australia, it only takes three to four years.

“Our graduates would have to wait till they’re 26 or 27 before entering the workforce.”

Syed Saddiq added that there should be a greater focus on producing students who are more competitive. - FMT