KUALA LUMPUR: Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for the establishment of an Education Commission to ensure the consolidation and continued implementation of the National Education Policy.
Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, said the commission would be tasked with developing students’ creative and lateral thinking abilities without turning them into “lab mice”.
“The talent industry has to be mainstreamed not only by the number of the graduates it produces, but also by the contribution of ideas that can competitively explore international markets.
“In relation to this, it is only appropriate that an Education Commission be established… We have to celebrate the students’ diverse inclinations and natural talents,” he said when officiating the annual general assemblies of Umno Youth, Wanita and Puteri Umno at Putra World Trade Centre here tonight.
The Umno vice-president said it was important for the government to provide a national education system that corresponds with the emerging digital economy.
“The changing decade compels us to change from a conventional education system to one that focuses on digital education.
“Digital schooling is a new initiative… Local students will become global students.”
Interactive digital software, he added, would serve as the main learning tool of modern education.
“It will also be the smart learning medium. This is the new model we are offering Generations Y and Z,” he said, adding that technological advancements would facilitate long-distance learning.
He made it clear that the government should encourage lifelong learning to increase the people’s academic qualifications.
“This is to ensure that they have a better shot at receiving a promotion or increase in salary.
“The government has also given priority to the technical and vocational education and training system to achieve this goal.”
On Nov 26, Zahid said establishment of an Education Commission would strengthen the national education policy and ensure its continuity.
He had said the commission, which was first suggested by the Federation of Peninsular Malay Students, was needed to avoid changes to the policy each time there was a new education minister.
Zahid had also said the move would ensure students did not become "lab experiments" when policies changed.