Muhyiddin's divisive education policy is flawed

The Deputy Prime Minister cum Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's proposed plan to encourage more students to study science is unfair to those who have the passion and interest for art subjects.

Muhyiddin had proposed tax incentive for parents to have their children enrolled into science stream.

The proposed incentive may set the path for students to drop all the art subjects in school. Parents may be lured through this lop-sided incentive to influence or pressure their children to enter into the science stream.

The ultimate goal of education is the freedom to learn and experience new and creative ideas based on their own needs and interest.

To promote only the science subjects would indirectly create a misconception within our society that art stream students are inferior.

I urge Muhyiddin to thread carefully in matters of education and not to go on this divisive path. I hope the Cabinet will consult with educationists, parents groups and other stakeholders before the Education Ministry is allowed to proceed further.