Mahathir to study education problems before making policy decisions

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s first priority as acting education minister will be to study the “many problems” plaguing the education system.

“I have to study the problems first before I make any decisions.

“There are many problems in the education ministry, so I have to know why the problems take place and find a solution for them,” he said today when asked about his immediate priorities.

Mahathir did not elaborate on what the problems were.

Speaking to the media after visiting Klang Valley Double Tracking contractor Dhaya Maju Infrastructure (Asia) Sdn Bhd’s warehouse in Serendah, he said he would “consider” splitting the ministry to form a new Ministry of Higher Education.

He similarly said he would study proposals to recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) in his tenure.

“Kita kaji lah (we will study it),” he said briefly.

The government’s UEC taskforce previously said it had completed its final report and was waiting to submit it to the new education minister.

The PM assumed the education portfolio effective Jan 3 after Maszlee Malik stepped down from the role.

Mahathir was previously the education minister from 1974 to 1977.  - Mkini