IPOH: A national remedial plan is needed to improve Malaysian children's proficiency in Mathematics, says Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.
The MCA deputy president said the recent Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2025 report, which found that Malaysia's 15-year-olds' competency in Mathematics has declined, needs serious attention.
"This is not merely an examination result. It is a warning for our future productivity, technological capacity, engineering talent, digital economy and the ability of families to move upward.
"When mathematics foundations are weak, the barriers are higher for young people entering technical and vocational fields, engineering, data, artificial intelligence and high-value industries," he said in his opening speech during the state MCA convention here on Wednesday (Sept 16).
Dr Mah noted that family background has a greater chance of determining a child’s future when education gaps widen.
"We call on the Ministry of Education to confront this report seriously, rather than respond with statements of reassurance," he added.
The OECD PISA report, announced by Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek last Tuesday (Sept 8), found that while Malaysia's 15-year-olds performed well in Science and Reading, Mathematics scores declined compared to the 2022 report.
Malaysia was among 91 countries that took part in the assessment.
Dr Mah, who is also state MCA chairman, said the report indicated that Malaysian students’ curiosity, perseverance and willingness to seek help from teachers are not weak.
"The problem is not that our children lack potential, but the system must do a better job of developing that potential.
Meanwhile, he urged the Education Ministry to present a national remedial plan with timelines and measurable targets to strengthen basic numeracy and reading from primary school.
"Professional support for teachers must also improve; provide early intervention for students who are falling behind; narrow rural, income and digital-resource gaps; strengthen science, mathematics and problem-solving instruction; and establish public, trackable indicators of improvement," he said.
"Education cannot wait. Mathematics cannot be allowed to fall further. The future of our children cannot be delayed," he added.
On another issue, Dr Mah said any future tax reforms should be simple, fair, transparent and affordable.
"What businesses and households ask is straightforward: are the rules easy to understand, has the cost of compliance increased, and will the burden be passed on to consumers?
"Whether the issue is Sales and Service Tax (SST), Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any future tax reform, the principles must remain the same: simple, fair, transparent and affordable," he said.
He also called on the government to explain how tax revenue improves healthcare, education, public services and infrastructure.
“Basic necessities must be protected; small and medium enterprises must have adequate transition time and clear guidance
"We are not here merely to say what we oppose. We must use the real experiences of businesses and the people to show how things can be done better," he said.
