SERDANG: Teachers will be given greater autonomy in the new curriculum to be introduced in 2027.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said teachers currently have been given freedom in the classrooms following the implementation of School-Based Assessments (PBS).
"While we will allow greater autonomy to teachers, it must be embraced with integrity as it comes with huge responsibility.
"Hence, we are now prepping them with the framework under the new curriculum through a series of engagement sessions," she told reporters after attending the fifth Distinguished Lecture Series on Youth Well Being: 'Cultivating Empathy and Compassion through Education' where she spoke at length on the subject.
Fadhlina said input from various parties was being gathered through sessions at the national level.
Meanwhile, a new curriculum for preschools will be introduced in 2026, she said.
Earlier in her speech, she said the element of empathy and compassion through education would be integrated in the new curriculum.
"Developing social and emotional abilities includes instilling empathy and compassion.
"They improve academic achievements and well-being and must be explicitly taught using a well-designed curriculum with well-sequenced and targeted activities."
She said cultivating empathy and compassion through education means teaching individuals to understand and share the feelings of others and to develop a deep concern for their well-being.
It involves incorporating lessons, activities, and experiences that encourage perspective-taking, kindness, and understanding of diverse perspectives, she said.
Fadhlina also emphasised five key thrusts on why the society should embrace these qualities in educational initiatives, namely, promoting social cohesion, reducing conflict and bullying; building stronger relationships, fostering civic engagement and preparing for the future.
She called on all parties to give their input to build a better education system in Malaysia.
"Education is for all and everyone's our stakeholders, including the parents and public teachers' associations."