EDU 405 - Chapter 01

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EDUCATION IN MALAYSIA: A HISTORICAL REVIEW | 1

7/27/2019 EDU 405 - Chapter 01


2 | EDUCATION IN MALAYSIA: A HISTORICAL REVIEW

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Informal education in Malaysia began since the Malacca Sultanate. For decades, the

education in Malaysia went through a series of transformation according to local needs.

There was no significant change in the provision of education during the occupancy of

Portuguese and Dutch. However, the arrival of the English in 1786 brought a new era in

education for the Malays until it was disrupted by the invasion of the Japanese in 1941. After

the fall of the Japanese in 1945, the English again played a significant role in thedevelopment of education until Malaya achieved its independence from the British on 31 st

August 1957.

Since independence, education in Malaysia has undergone tremendous changes and

development. From a diverse and fragmented system of education based upon communal

needs, it has evolved into an education system that strives to build a united nation according

to the Malaysian mould. Malaysia aims to produce a competitive society that is strong, united

and resilient in facing challenges and adversity.

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1.1 PRE-INDEPENDENCE : EDUCATION DURING THEBRITISH OCCUPANCY (1824-1957)

Prior to attaining independence from the British in 1957, there was an absence of uniformity

in the provision of education. Each ethnic group established its own school. Malay, English,Chinese and Tamil schools used their respective medium of instruction, curricula, books and

teachers. Children of different ethnic background could only study together in English

schools. Teachers for the Chinese and Tamil schools were brought in from China and India

respectively while local Malays were recruited to teach in Malay schools. At that time,

education was focused on maintaining loyalty towards the country of origin. As a result,

segregation existed among the ethnic groups.

1.1.1 English Schools

The establishment of English schools in Malaya was led by the British government,

individuals and Christian missionaries. The missionaries felt that it was an opportunity

to spread Christianity among locals. The curriculum emphasized preparing students for

the Cambridge Overseas School Certificate. Students who obtained good results in the

School Certificate examination were given the opportunity to further their education atthe diploma level at Kings Edward Medical College VII in Singapore and degree level

at University of England.

1.1.2 Malay Schools

Initially, education among the Malays was informal and mainly focused on Al Quran

and religious matter. The British government, on the other hand, set up Malay schools

to teach Malay children to become better farmers than their parents. The first Malay

school was established in 1855 in Gelugur, Pulau Pinang.

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1.1.3 Religious Schools

Sekolah Agama Madrasah or Islamic religious schools were pervasively established to

compete with English and Malay schools by Islamic religious figures such as Sheikh

Tahir Jalaluddin and Sayid Syeikh Ahmad Al-Hadi. These schools had better

infrastructure, and were more organized and systematic compared to sekolah pondok.

The establishment of these religious schools provided a sense of security among the

Malays that the position of Islam was secured despite the influence of other religions

and way of life brought about by the English and vernacular schools. However, the aim

to build a modern, rationale and progressive Muslim society was not realized as the

curriculum lacked emphasis on Mathematics, Science and English Language, which

were considered as essential subjects to promote mobility amongst a modern Muslim

society.

1.1.4 Chinese Schools

The Chinese was brought to Malaya from mainland China to work at the tin mines in

urban areas. Chinese schools were established and financed by this community until

the 1920’s. The curriculum, textbooks and teachers were brought in from China. The

first Chinese school was set up in Malacca in 1816 by a group of missionaries from

London. The Chinese schools were very much influenced by the reformation

movement in mainland China.

1.1.5 Tamil Schools

The Indians were brought into Malaya to work in estates and plantations. The

development and growth of Tamil schools was thus closely linked to the opening of

rubber estates in Penang, Malacca and Johore. The textbooks and teachers were

brought in from India while the curriculum was adapted from the Indian curriculum.

1.2 EDUCATION DURING THE JAPANESE OCCUPANCY(1942-1945)

Malaya was occupied by the Japanese from 1941-1945. The Japanese army continued the

vernacular schools but added the Japanese language into the curriculum. The Japanese

established the Nippon-Go school which emphasized on the culture and values of the

Japanese. There were no clear educational objectives during the occupation, merely as a

tool to assist the Japanese administer the country.

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1.3 DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION IN SABAH ANDSARAWAK

The British government did not give due emphasis on the development of vernacular schools

for the native of Sabah and Sarawak. Efforts to build schools in remote areas were initiated

by the Christian missionaries. Before 20th century, schools that taught the Quran was

established by Muslims from Bajau, Sulu, Illanum and various ethnics. The Woodhead

Report (1955) recommended that emphasis be made on the:

importance of primary education;

need to improve primary and secondary education;

provision for primary and secondary education, and

need to establish a teaching service in North Borneo.

1.4 POST INDEPENDENCE: EDUCATION DURING POST-INDEPENDENCE (1957-1970)

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Prior to independence, there was awareness amongst the leaders and the locals for the

need to replace the education system for all. This awareness resulted in the Razak Report

1956. The Education Committee Report 1956 established an education system that

incorporated national characteristics and guaranteed a place in schools for all children

regardless of their ethnic or religion. The education policies as outlined in the Razak Report

were the foundation in the formulation of a national education system that placed high

emphasis on national unity.

In 1960, a Review Committee looked into the implementation of recommendations made by

the Razak Report. The findings of this committee, known as the Rahman Talib Report,

confirmed the educational policy in the Razak Report and its general acceptance by the

public. The recommendations of these two reports became the integral components of the

Education Act 1961. In January 1976, the Act was extended to Sabah and Sarawak, which

had been incorporated into the formation of Malaysia in 1963.

The most important challenges facing the new nation after independence were unity and

democratization of education. The process of consolidating the diverse school systems into

a cohesive national education system, with the national language as the main medium of

instruction, was initiated. In 1957, all existing primary schools were converted to national and

national-type schools. Malay medium primary schools were renamed national schools.

English, Chinese and Tamil schools became national-type primary schools. Whilst Malay

was the medium of instruction in national schools, English and the vernacular languages

were the medium of instruction in nation-type schools. The national language was made a

compulsory subject in there national-type-schools. The English national-type schools were

converted into national schools in stages beginning 1968, with the implementation of five

subjects taught in the Malay language for Year One to Year Three pupils.

English and Chinese secondary schools were converted to national-type secondary schools.

These schools became fully or partially assisted schools. Private Chinese Schools that optedto become government-aided schools were termed as Conforming schools. In 1958, Malay

medium secondary education classes started as an annex in English secondary schools.

In 1962, school fees were abolished in all fully assisted primary schools. Free primary

education was made available to all children regardless of their ethnic or religion. The

entrance examination into the secondary school, the Malaysia Secondary School

examination was abolished in 1964 and the universal education was extended from six to

nine years in Peninsular Malaysia. This examination was abolished in Sarawak in 1974 and

in Sabah in 1977.

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1.5 EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DURING THE ERA OFNEW ECONOMIC POLICY (1971-1990)

Social and economic issues shaped the development of education from 1971 to 1990. This

was the period of New Economic Policy (NEP) that is a socio-economic policy to achieve

national unity and development.

The NEP brought about significant changes in the national education system. All pupils

follow the same curriculum and sit for same examinations. Science and technical subjects

were offered at the secondary level to produce skilled workforce in the areas of science and

technology.

The provision of education, which was more focused in urban centers, was extended to rural

areas. More schools were built in the rural areas hence providing greater access for rural

children, especially the economically disadvantaged.

In 1974, a Cabinet Committee was formed to study the implementation of the national

education system. The focus of this committee was to ensure that the education system was

able to produce citizens who are united, progressive, disciplined and talented in diverse

fields as required to achieve the national mission. As a result, the New Integrated Primary

School Curriculum (KBSR) was formulated in 1983 and the New Integrated SecondarySchool Curriculum (KBSM) in 1989.

1.6 EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DURING THE ERA OFNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY (1991-2000)

Drastic changes in education took place with the vast development of ICT hasten the

globalization era. In concurrence with the demands of globalization and the information and

technology era, Vision 2020 was launched by Dato’ Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1991 to

aspire Malaysians towards achieving the status of a developed nation by the year 2020.

The 1961 Education Act was replaced with the 1996 Education Act, which one of the major

amendments made was to include preschool into National Education System. The

enactment of the 1996 Private Higher Education Act was also amended to allow the

establishments of more private higher education institutes. The MOE formulated four acts to

encourage a more systematic development of higher education. The acts are:

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1996 National Higher Education Council Act –to allow the establishment of a

council that will determine the policy and manage development of higher

education.

1996 National Accreditation Board Act- quality assurance, especially for the

private higher education programmes.

1996 University and College University Act (Amendment)- grants more financial

and management autonomy to public universities.

1996 National Higher Education Fund Cooperation Act- provides student loans

and funds in order to increase access to the higher education.

Measures were also taken to improve leadership qualities amongst school heads and

administrators which Institut Aminuddin Baki (IAB) was entrusted with the task to provide

leadership and management training.

1.7 EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT DURING THE ERA OF

NATIONAL VISION POLICY (2001-2010)

Globalization, liberalization and the vast development of ICT has influenced the development

of the national education system. The challenge for the nation is to produce human capitals

that are knowledgeable, competent and globally competitive.

The National Education Policy was formulated based on the education Ordinance of 1957

which was later amended through the Razak Report (1956), the Rahman Talib Report

(1960) and the Cabinet Committee Report (1979). To promote unity amongst theMalaysians, the education system was extended to 11 years of schooling with Malay

language as the medium instruction, a uniformed national curriculum and a standardized

national assessment.

Developing competency and efficiency amongst leaders, teachers and education officers

was also an important agenda during the period of time. Empowerment and learning

organization concept were widely instilled and encouraged. Allocations were made to

promote continuous human resource development

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1.8 EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2001-2010

The Educat ion Blueprint

The Education Development Plan for Malaysia (2001-2010) also referred to as the Blueprint

takes into account the goals and the aspirations of the National Vision Policy to build a

resilient nation, encourage the creation of a just society, maintain sustainable economic

growth, develop global competitiveness, build a knowledge-based economy (K-economy),

strengthen human resource development and maintain sustainable environmental

development. The Blueprint aims to ensure that all citizens have the opportunity to twelve

years of education in terms of access, equity and quality.

The Blueprint focuses on the development of pre-school, primary, secondary and tertiary

education which will be strengthened through the development of support programmes,

funding, management and integration of information and communication technology (ICT).

The Blueprint is used as a framework for preparing action plans for education development,

which encompass the expansion and strengthening of existing programmes as well as the

replacements of non-relevant programmes with new programmes that are more realistic to

current and future needs. The education Development Plan was developed based on four

thrusts:

to increase access to education;

to increase equity to education;

to increase quality of education; and

to increase the competency and efficiency level of the educational management.

To implement the programmes in the Blueprint, the Federal Government continuously

increased funds allocation for MOE.

1.9 EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN (EDMP)2006-2010

The Education Development Master Plan (EDMP) was launched on 16 January 2007 to

promote the education agenda under the 9th Malaysian Plan (9MP). The EDMP outline six

thrusts that mirror the objectives of the National Mission. The aim of the EDMP is to provide

quality education for all. To ensure this goal this goal is achieved, two main approaches

have been identified under the Ninth Malaysia Plan:

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Complete tasks specified under the previous five-year plan, ensure access to

education for all and to provide equal opportunities for all students.

Further develop the potential of schools in their respective clusters of educational

institutions, enabling teachers and students to promote the schools and the

national education system at the international level.

THE EDMP STRATEGIC THRUSTSSix strategic thrusts have been identified to strengthen the national education system:

The MOE aspires to produce citizens who passes local, global and patriotic, who value andtreasure the cultural heritage and arts from the formative school years. The desire to build a

nation can be achieved by strengthening the Malay language, improving students’ discipline,

fully implementing the Student Integration Plan for Unity (RIMUP) including co-curricular and

sports activities to develop the identity and by cultivating positive tarits and courtesy among

students.

Focus and implementation strategies:

Strengthening the national language as the basis for unity and knowledge Strengthening unity and national integration

Cultivating love for arts, heritage and national culture

Promoting a clear understanding of Islam Hadhari

The MOE focuses on the development of positive value systems, discipline and character

building of students. This thrust aspires to produce students competent in science and

technology, innovative, creative and marketable. The MOE will provide a holistic assessment

and evaluation system, mould students’ discipline and emphasise on cleanliness, health and

safety.


Providing more education choices for parents and students

Enhancing capacity and mastery of knowledge

Developing skills and students’ personality

Strengthening evaluation and assessment system to become more holistic

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Enhancing co-curriculum and sports programmes

Strengthening students’ discipline

Enhancing disciplinary complaint system service

Strengthening curriculum Enhancing MOE’s smart partnership with various agencies.

The MOE aims to strengthen the national schools (primary and secondary) as the “school of

choice’. In this regard, national schools will be equipped with sufficient and quality education

facilities including clean water, electricity supply and ICT infrastructure. These schools will

have sufficient trained teachers according to options as well as adequate numbers of

supporting staff.


Strengthening the leadership of the principal/head and quality of teachers

Reinforcing the school culture

Reinforcing the developing curriculum

Reinforcing co-curriculum and sport system

Improving the support system

Improving academic performance of the National Schools

Improving the infrastructure and performance of National Schools

The MOE aims to bridge the education gap in terms of the provision of physical and non-

physical amenities, students’ achievements and drop-out rate. Hence, the MOE will continue

to develop infrastructure and educational facilities especially in the rural areas of Sabah and

Sarawak. These schools will be provided with the required infrastructure as stipulated under

the Ninth Malaysia Plan. The MOE will also increase aid for poor students, students with

special needs, and minority group, bridge the digital gap and emplace trained teachers

according to subject specializations in rural and remote areas.


Developing infrastructure and educational facilities in rural and remote areas

Increasing the participation rate and reducing the risks of drop-out

Increasing the number of trained teachers according to options in remote areas

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Improving the distribution systems of the support programme for poor students,

students with special needs and students from minority groups

Efforts to elevate the teaching profession are aimed at making it a respected profession in

line with the responsibility of moulding future generations. The MOE has upgraded teacher

training colleges to teacher education institutes to raise the qualification of teachers to

degree level. The Moe will also improve the systems for teacher selection, services,

placements and welfare.


Implementing a stringent selection system for teacher candidates

Strengthening teacher training

Strengthening the teacher career

Improving the working environment and wellbeing of teachers

Strengthening human resource planning and management

The effort to accelerate excellence in educational institutions is planned through the

establishment of cluster schools based on their niche in academic, co-curricular and sports

activities. Selected schools in these clusters will be benchmarked and showcased at the

international level in line with efforts to develop a quality and world-class education system.


Ensuring strong and effective leadership

Selecting capable and highly skilled teachers and trainers

Allowing greater autonomy to schools

Creating a system of accountability

Setting standards and benchmarks that are exemplary for developing and

developed countries

Strengthening Malaysia as a hub for educational excellence Initiating changes and innovations.

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1.10 MALAYSIA EDUCATION BLUEPRINT 2013-2025

The National Education Blueprint was launched with comprehensive review by Ministry of

Education in October 2011. This decision was made in the context of rising international

education standards, the Government’s aspiration of better preparing Malaysia’s children for

the needs of 21st century, and increases public and parental expectations of education

policy.

This preliminary Education Blueprint is the result of extensive research and public

engagement carried out by the Ministry of Education. The Blueprint was developed with

three objectives:

1. Understanding the current performance and challenges of the Malaysian

education system, with focus on improving, access to education, raising standards

(quality), closing achievement gaps (equity), promoting unity amongst students and

maximizing system efficiency.

2. Establishing a clear vision and aspirations for individual students and the education

system as a whole over the next 13 years

3. Outlining a comprehensive transformation programme for the system, including

key changes to the Ministry which will allow to meet new demands and rising

expectations and to ignite and support overall civil service transformation.

Eleven Shifts to Transform the System are:

1. Provide equal access to quality education of an international standard

Benchmark the learning of language, Mathematics and Science to international

standards.

Launch new Secondary (KSSM) and revised Primary Curriculum (KSSR) in 2007

Revamp examinations and assessment to increase focus on testing higher-order

thinking skills by 2016

Raise quality of preschools and push to 100% enrolment by 2020.

Move from 6-11 years of compulsory schooling, starting at age 6+; supported by

retention initiatives and job-ready vocational training.

Increase investment in physical and teaching resources for students with special

needs.

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2. Ensure every child is proficient in Bahasa Malaysia and English Language

Introduce a common Bahasa Malaysia curriculum at the primary level, with

earlier intensive remedial support for students that struggle to allow for removal

of peralihan class.

Expand the LINUS programme to include English language literacy.

Upskill English language teachers and expand opportunities to greater exposure

to English language.

Encourage every child to learn an additional language by 2005.

3. Develop value-driven Malaysian

Strengthen civics elements by making community service a pre-requisite to

graduation by 2017

Enhance Islamic and Moral Education with greater focus on core values and

underlying philosophies of major religions by 2017.

Develop students holistically by reinforcing requirement to participate in 1 Sport,

1 Club and 1 Uniformed Body.

Enhance and expand RIMUP from 2016 to facilitate interaction across school

types, ethnicities and socio-economic groups.

4. Transform Teaching into the profession of choice.

Raise entry bar for teachers from 2013 to be amongst top 30% of graduate.

Upgrade the quality and personalization of CPD from 2013 with greater

emphasis on school-based training.

Focus teachers on their core function of teaching from 2013 by reducing

administration burdens.

Implement competency and performance-based career progression by 2016.

Enhance pathways for teachers into leadership, master teaching and subjectspecialist roles by 2016.

Peer-led culture of excellence and certification process by 2025.

5. Ensure high-performing school leaders in every school.

Competency-based selection criteria and enhanced succession planning

processes for principals from 2013

New Principal Career Package rolled-out in waves from 2013, with greater

support, greater operational flexibility for school improvement, curriculum and co-

curricular planning and sharper accountability for improving student outcomes.

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6. Empower JPNs, PPDs and Schools to compromise solutions based on need

Accelerate school improvement through systematic, district-led programmes in

all states by 2014

Allow greater school-based management and autonomy, including greater

operational flexibility over budget allocation and curriculum implementation,

starting with the best performing and most improved schools.

Ensure 100% of schools meet basic infrastructure requirements by 2015, starting

with Sabah and Sarawak

7. Leverage ICT to scale up quality learning across Malaysia

Provide internet access and virtual learning environment via 1BestariNet for all

10,000 schools by 2013

Augment online best practice content starting with a video library of best

teachers delivering lessons in critical subjects in 2013.

Maximise use of ICT for distance and self-paced learning to expand capacity and

allow for more customized learning.

8. Transform Ministry delivery capabilities and capacity

Empower JPNs and PPDs through greater decision making power over budget

and personnel while also holding them accountable for common KPIs from 2013

Deploy almost 2,500 more personnel from Head Office and JPNs to PPDs to

better support schools by 2014

Strengthen leadership capabilities in pivotal 150-200 leadership roles from 2013.

Strengthen key central functions and rationalize structure of Ministry from 2016.

9. Partner with parents, community and private sector at scale.

Equip every parents to support their child’s learning via a parent engagement

toolkit and online access to their child’s in-school progress 9SAPS System)

Invite every PIBG/PTA to provide input on contextualization of curriculum and

teacher quality from 2016

Expand Trust school model to 500 schools by 2025 by including alumni groups

and NGOs as potential sponsors.

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10. Maximize student outcomes for every ringgit.

Link every programme to clear student outcomes and annually rationalize

programmes that have low impact: align to g overnment’s overall shift towards

outcome-based budgeting

Capture efficiency opportunities, with funding reallocated to the most critical

areas such as teacher training and upskilling.

11. Increase transparency for direct public accountability.

Publish an annual public report on progress against Blueprint targets and

initiatives, starting for the year 2013.

Conduct comprehensive stock takes in 2015, 2020 and 2025 to ensure Blueprint

remains relevant by incorporating stakeholder feedback and accounting for anever evolving external environment

EXCERCISE

1. State the differences between Quranic Schools and Pondok as the earliest forms of

education in Malaysia.

2. In the 19th century, the majority of Malay parents did not trust secular education.

Discuss the reasons for Malay parents to have had such an attitude.

3. The report of the Education Committee, commonly referred to as the Razak Report

(1956) made FOUR (4) recommendations, which marked a milestone in the evolution

of a national system of education. Elaborate each recommendation.

4. Discuss the following aspects of Abdul Rahman Talib Report (1960)

a. National Language

b. Transition classes

c. Automatic Upgrade

d. Moral subjects

5. Education is one of the most important elements in the development of human capital

towards achieving the status of developed nation.

a. List FIVE (5) strategies outlined in the Education Development Master Plan

(EDMP), Ministry Of Education (MOE) to strengthen National Schools.

6. Explain briefly the objectives and approach of the review to the implementation of

Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025.

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REFERENCES

Mok Soon Sang. (2005.) Education Studies for KPLI (Sekolah Rendah). Puchong:

Multimedia ES Resources Sdn Bhd

Curriculum Development Division. (2011). Ministry of Education Malaysia.

Ornstein, A.C & Hunkins, F.P. (2004). Curriculum: Foundations, Principles and Issues.

Boston: Allyn & Bacon

Malaysia, Educational Planning and Research Division. Education in Malaysia. A Journey to

Excellence. (2008) Ministry of Education, Malaysia.

Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013:

www.moe.gov.my/userfiles/file/PPP/Preliminary-Blueprint-Eng.pdf

Basic School Information January 2008. Ministry of Education, Malaysia.

Educational development in Malaysia and Oman: Two Sucess Stories 2008. Ministry of

Education, Malaysia and Sultanate of Oman, Ministry of Education.

Panduan Pengurusan Sekolah Berkesan (2006). Bahagian Sekolah Kementerian Pelajaran

Malaysia.

Pelan Induk Pembangunan Pendidikan (PIPP) 2006-2010. Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia

Pelan Strategik Pengajian Tinggi Negara: Melangkaui 2020, Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi

Malaysia.

Quick Facts 2007, Education Planning and Research Division, Ministry of Education

Malaysia.

Quick Facts 2008, Education Planning and Research Division, Ministry of Education

Malaysia.

Written report, information and statistics from respective divisions in the Ministry of

Education, Malaysia

www.moe.gov/bppdp

(website of Education Planning and Research Division, Ministry of Education, Malaysia.

http://www.moe.gov.my/userfiles/file/PPP/Preliminary-Blueprint-Eng.pdf


http://www.moe.gov/bppdp




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EDU 405 - Chapter 01