Workforce: 77pc have only SPM
May 22, 2010
NUSAJAYA, May 22 —Seventy-seven per cent of the country’s workforce had only attained the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia or equivalent academic qualification.
This does not go well with Malaysia’s aspiration to achieve the developed nation status by 2020, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“If we do not seriously address the education gap, Malaysia will not have the labour pool that is sufficiently educated and prepared to work in high end industries that our country is developing,” he said.
Najib said this when launching Khazanah Nasional’s MYWorkLife Talent Portal at Puteri Habour, here today.
He said that Western Digital Malaysia had announced an investment of USD1.2 billion in this country that would involve the construction of a new 1.5 milli on sq ft multi-storey building for research, development and manufacture of magnetic head, media components and hard disk drives.
Up to 10,000 additional jobs, involving a substantial number of high-qualification jobs, 100 PhD holders, 1,000 masters or equivalent holders will be created at the facility over time.
“What does that say about us? It means that we have not developed enough people both in qualitative and quantitative terms to fulfil the requirement of knowledge and innovative economy,” he said.
The Prime Minister said, as outlined in the New Economic Model, several key factors were essential to prepare the workforce to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
“We need to increase our local talent over time, re-skill our existing labour force and retain and access local and global talent so that we will be able to change our per capita income from the present level of US$7,000 (RM23,345) to US$15,000 (RM50,000) by 2010,” he said.
The possible areas that the government is considering to review in order to attract highly experienced Malaysians and foreign workers to call Malaysia home include:that
- Relaxing rules regarding permanent residence status for ex-Malaysians and their families as well as for foreigners.
- Centralizing oversight of foreign labour and expatriates to enable more streamlined governance of residence policies.
- Building up a critical mass of skilled professionals through simplified work permit and immigration procedures.
- And continuing to liberalise the professional services sector.
Also present were Menteri Besar Johor Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman and Managing Director of Khazanah Nasional Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar. — Bernama
FOR OUR CHILDREN
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Time for drastic action..
All systems go for science and maths reverting to BM in 2011
The Financial Edge
Tuesday, 18 May 2010 21:54
PUTRAJAYA: The federal government is ready to shift back to teaching science and mathematics in Bahasa Malaysia in 2011 and will not accommodate requests to remain with English as the medium of instruction for these subjects, Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.
The education ministry was at "the final stages of preparation" of implementing the policy, and textbooks for both subjects in Bahasa Malaysia were being written, he told a press conference after chairing a cabinet committee meeting on human capital development on Monday, May 17.
Muhyiddin, who is also deputy prime minister, said that he had received a report a fortnight ago indicating that the ministry was ready to proceed in 2011 with the first batch to be taught under the reinstated Bahasa Malaysia policy.
He had told parliament in October 2009 that the education ministry was mulling the possibility of teaching mathematics and science in Bahasa Malaysia to Standard One students in 2011, ahead of the 2012 target year set for other students nationwide.
On July 8, 2009, Muhyiddin had announced the cabinet's decision to abolish the policy of teaching science and mathematics in English (or PPSMI, the Malay acronym for the policy), that was adopted in 2003.
The decision marks a reversion to Bahasa Malaysia as the medium of instruction for the two subjects in national schools as well as a shift back to vernacular languages in Chinese and Tamil schools starting 2012.
To another question, Muhyiddin said his ministry was aware that certain quarters had been lobbying for schools to be given an option to teach the subjects in English but it remained closed to the possibility.
"We are aware that some have requested that but if we take that into account, many problems will emerge (and it would seem as if) we are inconsistent on policy," he said.
"We understand what students and parents need. We want parents to give the ministry a chance to implement the policy (back to Bahasa Malaysia for the two subjects)."
Muhyiddin reiterated that the new policy would include steps to enhance students' command of the English language, including an increase in teaching time for the English language, several steps to transform the teaching of the language and the recruitment of more teachers.
"What is certain is that it (the teaching of the English language) will be more enjoyable... The new curriculum will be enhanced."
A group of parents who call themselves the Parent Action Group for Education (Page) had in October 2009 submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak seeking an exemption from the policy shift to enable certain schools to opt to continue teaching science and mathematics in English.
Page chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim had said that the group was pushing for the establishment of a new category of schools that taught both subjects in English, alongside existing vernacular schools.
Contacted on Monday, Noor Azimah maintained that Page's request for options was a "reasonable" one as it was not opposing the government's policy nor was it challenging the status of Bahasa Malaysia as the national language.
"It's a reasonable request. PPSMI is a policy matter. But this policy has been overly politicised. It is a win-win situation (if schools are given a choice)," said Noor Azimah.
Noor Azimah also pointed to the Kuala Lumpur High Court's decision which affirmed that it was constitutional to teach mathematics and science in English. High Court judge Mohd Zawawi Salleh ruled on May 7 that the two circulars on the execution of the previous policy for vernacular and national schools to teach both subjects in English did not contradict Article 152 of the Federal Constitution.
FOR OUR CHILDREN
The Financial Edge
Tuesday, 18 May 2010 21:54
PUTRAJAYA: The federal government is ready to shift back to teaching science and mathematics in Bahasa Malaysia in 2011 and will not accommodate requests to remain with English as the medium of instruction for these subjects, Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.
The education ministry was at "the final stages of preparation" of implementing the policy, and textbooks for both subjects in Bahasa Malaysia were being written, he told a press conference after chairing a cabinet committee meeting on human capital development on Monday, May 17.
Muhyiddin, who is also deputy prime minister, said that he had received a report a fortnight ago indicating that the ministry was ready to proceed in 2011 with the first batch to be taught under the reinstated Bahasa Malaysia policy.
He had told parliament in October 2009 that the education ministry was mulling the possibility of teaching mathematics and science in Bahasa Malaysia to Standard One students in 2011, ahead of the 2012 target year set for other students nationwide.
On July 8, 2009, Muhyiddin had announced the cabinet's decision to abolish the policy of teaching science and mathematics in English (or PPSMI, the Malay acronym for the policy), that was adopted in 2003.
The decision marks a reversion to Bahasa Malaysia as the medium of instruction for the two subjects in national schools as well as a shift back to vernacular languages in Chinese and Tamil schools starting 2012.
To another question, Muhyiddin said his ministry was aware that certain quarters had been lobbying for schools to be given an option to teach the subjects in English but it remained closed to the possibility.
"We are aware that some have requested that but if we take that into account, many problems will emerge (and it would seem as if) we are inconsistent on policy," he said.
"We understand what students and parents need. We want parents to give the ministry a chance to implement the policy (back to Bahasa Malaysia for the two subjects)."
Muhyiddin reiterated that the new policy would include steps to enhance students' command of the English language, including an increase in teaching time for the English language, several steps to transform the teaching of the language and the recruitment of more teachers.
"What is certain is that it (the teaching of the English language) will be more enjoyable... The new curriculum will be enhanced."
A group of parents who call themselves the Parent Action Group for Education (Page) had in October 2009 submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak seeking an exemption from the policy shift to enable certain schools to opt to continue teaching science and mathematics in English.
Page chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim had said that the group was pushing for the establishment of a new category of schools that taught both subjects in English, alongside existing vernacular schools.
Contacted on Monday, Noor Azimah maintained that Page's request for options was a "reasonable" one as it was not opposing the government's policy nor was it challenging the status of Bahasa Malaysia as the national language.
"It's a reasonable request. PPSMI is a policy matter. But this policy has been overly politicised. It is a win-win situation (if schools are given a choice)," said Noor Azimah.
Noor Azimah also pointed to the Kuala Lumpur High Court's decision which affirmed that it was constitutional to teach mathematics and science in English. High Court judge Mohd Zawawi Salleh ruled on May 7 that the two circulars on the execution of the previous policy for vernacular and national schools to teach both subjects in English did not contradict Article 152 of the Federal Constitution.
FOR OUR CHILDREN
Saturday, May 8, 2010
High Court Decides
Court: It’s OK to teach Science and Maths in English
By M. MAGESWARI
mages@thestar.com.my
KUALA LUMPUR: In a test case brought by four students, a High Court has ruled that it is constitutional for Mathematics and Science to be taught in English.
High Court (Appellate and Special Powers) judge Justice Mohd Zawawi Salleh decided yesterday that two circulars on the policy to teach Science and Mathematics in English in national and vernacular schools did not contradict Article 152 of the Federal Constitution. (Article 152 states that the national language shall be the Malay language.)
The suit, filed by Mohammad Syawwaal Mohammad Nizar, Mohammad Fadzil Nor Mohd Rosni, Nur Najihah Muhaimin and Syazaira Arham Yahya Ariff, sought a declaration that the circulars dated Nov 27, 2002 on the execution of the policy was unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect.
In addition, they sought to declare that the Government had no power and privilege to introduce, enforce and implement the policy.
They also sought to compel the Government to change or restore the policy according to the provisions of the Federal Constitution and written law.
In their originating summons, the students claimed that the policy had been enforced without taking into consideration Article 152 of the Constitution and laws like the National Language Act 1967 and Education Act 1996.
At the time of filing the suit on Jan 20, 2006, Mohammad Syawwaal was a Year Four student in SK Batu Tiga, while Mohammad Fadzil and Nur Najihah were Form Three students in SMK Tok Muda Abd Aziz and SMK Seri Perak, respectively. Syazaira Arham was a Form Four student in Madrasah Idrissiah.
The four filed the suit through their fathers Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, Mohd Rosni Abu Bakar, Muhaimin Sulam and Yahya Ariff Kamaruzzaman.
Justice Mohd Zawawi dismissed their civil action with costs after hearing clarification by the parties.
The four students were represented by lawyer Mohamed Hanipa Maidin while Senior Federal Counsel Suzana Atan acted for the Government - the sole defendant.
Speaking to the media, Suzana said the judge dismissed the students’ originating summons because Malay language was still being maintained as the main medium of instruction in schools.
Mohamed Hanipa said the judge held that even if the Education Act stated that the Malay language should be the main language, it still meant that other languages could also be used in schools.
He said he would appeal against the ruling as it involved constitutional issues and public interest.
FOR OUR CHILDREN
By M. MAGESWARI
mages@thestar.com.my
KUALA LUMPUR: In a test case brought by four students, a High Court has ruled that it is constitutional for Mathematics and Science to be taught in English.
High Court (Appellate and Special Powers) judge Justice Mohd Zawawi Salleh decided yesterday that two circulars on the policy to teach Science and Mathematics in English in national and vernacular schools did not contradict Article 152 of the Federal Constitution. (Article 152 states that the national language shall be the Malay language.)
The suit, filed by Mohammad Syawwaal Mohammad Nizar, Mohammad Fadzil Nor Mohd Rosni, Nur Najihah Muhaimin and Syazaira Arham Yahya Ariff, sought a declaration that the circulars dated Nov 27, 2002 on the execution of the policy was unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect.
In addition, they sought to declare that the Government had no power and privilege to introduce, enforce and implement the policy.
They also sought to compel the Government to change or restore the policy according to the provisions of the Federal Constitution and written law.
In their originating summons, the students claimed that the policy had been enforced without taking into consideration Article 152 of the Constitution and laws like the National Language Act 1967 and Education Act 1996.
At the time of filing the suit on Jan 20, 2006, Mohammad Syawwaal was a Year Four student in SK Batu Tiga, while Mohammad Fadzil and Nur Najihah were Form Three students in SMK Tok Muda Abd Aziz and SMK Seri Perak, respectively. Syazaira Arham was a Form Four student in Madrasah Idrissiah.
The four filed the suit through their fathers Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, Mohd Rosni Abu Bakar, Muhaimin Sulam and Yahya Ariff Kamaruzzaman.
Justice Mohd Zawawi dismissed their civil action with costs after hearing clarification by the parties.
The four students were represented by lawyer Mohamed Hanipa Maidin while Senior Federal Counsel Suzana Atan acted for the Government - the sole defendant.
Speaking to the media, Suzana said the judge dismissed the students’ originating summons because Malay language was still being maintained as the main medium of instruction in schools.
Mohamed Hanipa said the judge held that even if the Education Act stated that the Malay language should be the main language, it still meant that other languages could also be used in schools.
He said he would appeal against the ruling as it involved constitutional issues and public interest.
FOR OUR CHILDREN
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