Summary of the speech
by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong
during the debate on the motion to cut RM10 of the Education Minister's pay on 21 October, 2002
in Dewan Rakyat

Call on the Malaysian Government to set up a Royal Commission of Enquiry on Education


The reason for the motion is the part played by the Education Minister Tan Sri Musa Mohamad to raise the efficiency and effectiveness of the corporate management in the ministry. This includes strategic planning, culture of management quality and productivity, streamlining laws and regulations, and raising accountability at all levels of financial management and the corporate image of the ministry.

As we have only 10 minutes, it is not possible to discuss all the weaknesses in the corporate management of the ministry. The 2003 budget allocation for education of over RM26 billion, about 24% of the total is correct. First, the ministry seems to be listening to its own people, scarcely considering other opinions. The education minister says that he listens to other people. But, he bulldozes the implementation of policy decision such as using English to teach Mathematics and Science without full consultations. Like many educational issues, this evokes controversy. Secondly, he does not want to have a full session in Parliament to discuss English Maths and Science. (Using the time for the debate of the 2003 budget is not enough).

Thirdly, the 10-year education development blueprint that may need over RM300 billion to implement has not been presented in Parliament. We need extensive and intensive consultations for such an important blueprint.

English Maths and Science have not been included in the blueprint. It is only after the Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr Mahahtir Mohamad has insisted on English and the Cabinet has made a decision to do so that the Education Ministry changes its policy. Since 1970, the ministry has systematically annihilated English schools. For over 20 years, Dr Mahathir has talked about the importance of English. But, he has not been able to correct the mistake.

Fourthly, members of the steering and main committees to draw up the blueprint consist of only one race. Here, the ministry talks about fostering national unity in the multiracial country. The ministry has over 20 divisions, the leaders of each division draw up the policy and measures and present them to the minister. Each division may be a ministry by itself.

Fifthly, during the debate on this motion, the Education Minister (only the Parliamentary Secretary Dr Mahadzir) is not present. This is a mistake.

The Government should set up a Royal Commission of Enquiry on Education.