The recent resignation of the Minister of Education Dr.Maszlee Malik is something that shocked the country being the first resignation of a PH minister in their 20 month government.
First and foremost I must congratulate Dr.Maszlee in making this very bold and brave decision on resigning.
It’s not easy to walk away from such a big and important position and takes a lion’s heart to accept one’s failure and do the right things.
I also sympathise with him in regard to the news focus which sometimes is more sensational and non academic than on tangible educational successes.
My years as a Deputy Education Minister was challenging, as an example the vast majority of 500 000 teachers are committed and responsible educators who strive to do their job well but the one bad apple makes news headlines while the majority sacrifices and successes are ignored.
Education is a very politically and practically very important part of our nation’s psyche.
In fact just a simple count of 5 million students in our primary and secondary schools mean 10 million parents are stakeholders and it’s difficult to get consensus among even 10 people sometimes , what more 10 million.
However the resignation of Dr.Maszlee though commendable isn’t enough.
Dr.Maszlee is the symptom not the cause. If performance was the criteria then many in the cabinet are in jeopardy. The PM himself gave them 50% during their one year anniversary, in 5 months would be 2 years but I doubt the performance will see any major improvement though some maybe worse.
The fact is the PH government is floundering because they have promised the world and now are unable to deliver. In almost all aspects of the nation from economic growth to racial relations things have become worse across the board since the new government was formed.
The people who voted for change stand disappointed and betrayed and yet the PH coalition is still mired in both internal party politics and national leadership tussles rather than focusing on the prime responsibility which is governing well for the people.
The sad truth is PH vehicle is on the way to a major breakdown and an overhaul might not be enough. Maszlee’s resignation is just a drop in the ocean of bad policies and decisions affecting the peace and prosperity of Malaysians.
The people wanted change but what they got for the last 18 months were just lies, more lies & excuses!
P.KamalanathanCentral Working Committee Member of the Malaysian Indian Congress and
Chairman, Education Bureau MIC.
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