KUALA LUMPUR: As the Education Ministry seeks public input for its new education development plan, netizens have been vocal in suggesting changes.
The suggestions were sighted on the New Straits Times' social media comment section.
In Facebook, Azian Abas highlighted the importance of reintroducing the joy of learning in schools by going back to the basics.
He said the current curriculum was overly ambitious, burdening young students with complex topics.
Ismail Yusof proposed a strategic approach to curriculum development, highlighting the need to align educational outcomes with the nation's future economic and social goals.
"One good start is to decide what kind of people we want to run our future business, civil service, and institutional structure and work backwards from there."
Meanwhile, Muhammad Tabrizi called for a more measured approach, urging the Education Ministry to refine existing policies and allow sufficient time for their impact to be assessed before making further adjustments.
"Stop changing policies every time there is a change in government or people at the helm of the ministry," he said, calling for consistency in policy implementation.
On Instagram, @Spartanw brings attention to the importance of discipline and moral education.
"And don't forget the caning from the old days. Kids these days really think they can do whatever they want."
He stressed the need for schools to instil values in students in addition to conventional education, adding that this would help produce well-rounded individuals.
Another user, @Siaromanila, advocates for the recruitment of more passionate and dedicated teachers, while criticising the current system where some individuals entered the teaching profession due to a lack of options.
"Some teachers get into teaching just because it's the only acceptance they got. We need more passionate and dedicated teachers."
She also suggested the need to alleviate teachers' administrative burdens to enhance their effectiveness in the classroom.
The Education Ministry has set up a portal to gather input on the Future of Malaysian Education 2026-2036. Suggestions can be submitted between May 14 and Dec 31.
The portal can be accessed at https://www.moe.gov.my/pelanpendidikan2026/public.