Heavy task to build talents

Groups have high hopes for new education ministers

PETALING JAYA: Big hopes lie on the shoulders of the new minister and deputy ministers on the education front.

Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir (pic), who was the Foreign Minister, and Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, who was the Deputy Human Resources Minister, have huge responsibilities as Higher Education Minister and Deputy Higher Education Minister respectively.

Malaysian Association of Private Colleges and Universities (Mapcu) president Datuk Parmjit Singh said he was confident that Zambry will continue the stellar work of his predecessor Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

“We look forward to working closely with Zambry and Mustapha in ensuring that private higher education institutions are able to continue playing their part as a Key National Economic Sector and as a partner to the government in developing talent for Malaysia,” he said in congratulating the duo.

Fadhlina Sidek retained her post as Education Minister but she has a new deputy in Wong Kah Woh, who is a former Public Accounts Committee chairman.

National Union of Teaching Profession of Malaysia (NUTP) secretary-general Fouzi Singon said the body hoped that Wong would keep politics out of the Education Ministry.

“We hope he will manage his role professionally and perform the tasks within his given jurisdiction,” he added.

Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia (PAGE) chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim urged Wong, the Taiping MP, to look into the imposition of a minimum one non-Dual Language Programme (DLP) class from next year, specifically in Perak.

Melaka Action Group for Parents in Education (Magpie) chairman Mak Chee Kin called on Wong to do what is best for the next generation.

“I just hope that he knows the issues at hand and has the political will to tackle them,” he said.

Speaking at press conference held by the DAP yesterday, Wong said education was an important segment with the biggest budget allocation every year.

“It’s a very big responsibility,” he said, adding that he has already contacted Fadhlina and his predecessor Lim Hui Ying.

Wong pledged to use his experience as former PAC chairman to ensure that the agenda and plans of the ministry and the Madani government were fulfilled.